Insider News Center: From Westchester Insider: Westchester County Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky 12th District: Protocols for Black Bear Sightings in District 12.

 

With the recent reports of bear sightings in our district, here is some information from the NYS DEC and local law enforcement:

• If you see a bear, never approach, surround, or attempt to touch it
• Always leave a clear escape route for a bear
• If you feel threatened by a bear, back away slowly, but do not run. If the bear won’t leave, make loud noises—yell, clap, blow car horns or air horns, or drum on nearby objects
• Do not let pets or children play outside unsupervised at dusk and dawn, when bears are most active.

Although bears and other wildlife are to be appreciated and enjoyed, this should be done from a distance or from inside your home. They still pose a threat to people and pets, especially if they are protecting their cubs. In very rare cases, black bears can have rabies and can be aggressive.

If you have spotted black bear activity in real time, notify your local police department immediately. They are not able to respond to the situation after the fact.

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