Black bear spotted in Ayer, Mass. Photo: Courtesy of Mark Fermanian
WRENTHAM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Black bears have emerged from their winter slumber. They have been spotted in multiple towns, including Wrentham and Ayer.
The Town of Wrentham & Plainville Animal Control (TWPAC) has put out a warning to residents that there have been multiple bear sightings in the Wrentham area. Residents have reported seeing a black bear attempting to eat from bird feeders and getting into some chicken coops.
Below is a video obtained by WBZ NewsRadio of another bear sighting in Ayer, Mass.
TWPAC has urged residents to take down bird feeders located near houses and to be cautious when leaving food and trash outside. They also said black bears do not pose much of a risk to humans, but residents should still avoid getting close.
“Don’t panic, the bear should mind his business when it comes to people. Do not feed him or approach,” said TWPAC in a Facebook post.
Mass Wildlife said the black bear population is growing in the Commonwealth and continues to expand eastward. Wrentham is located much farther east than Mass Wildlife’s established bear range and slightly beyond the expanding bear range.
Wrentham Police has asked residents to report any sightings to TWPAC.
WBZ NewsRadio's Jay Willett (@JayWillettWBZ) reports.
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