Full Notification

A large black bear sighting has been reported in Millwood, by the area of the North County Trailway in the Town of New Castle. 

The NYS Environmental Conservation advises that bears will only be encouraged to leave the area if the bear creates a public disturbance, acts aggressively towards a human or a pet, attempts to enter a home, or is injured and cannot move freely to escape.

If a bear creates any problem, the New Castle Police will respond, and, if necessary, the NYDEC. Otherwise, the black bear is natural to the area and residents should take the following NYDEC recommended precautions to avoid contact:

1. DO NOT FEED BEARS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

2. GARBAGE: Clean up areas around garbage cans and do not put garbage outside overnight. Instead, put garbage out only on pick-up days.

3. BIRD FEEDERS: Nuisance bear problems are usually a temporary situation in the early spring. Bird feeders do attract bears and are often torn down. Take down or clean up all bird feeders (including humming bird feeders) for several weeks after a bear visit.

4. PET FOOD: Feed pets in the house if possible and clean up all left over food.

5. GRILLS: Outdoor grills will attract bears. If you have had a bear problem you should stop cooking outside on your grill, clean it up, and store it in a bear proof area for a couple of weeks.

6. COMPOST PILES: Bears are attracted to all types of garbage. Stop adding refuse to your compost pile and, if it is located close to your house, you should move it as far away as possible.

7. OTHER: Bears have an extraordinary sense of smell. If you store pet food, fish food, or any other items that might appeal to a bear's sense of smell under an open shed or in a wooden shed, you should remove it to a secure location.