NORTH SMITHFIELD – Two houses on Sunnycrest Avenue caught video over final week of a giant black bear making its approach by way of the residential neighborhood.
The bear – or bears – had been caught on house safety cameras, strolling by way of yards throughout daytime on Wednesday, June 4 and Sunday, June 8. The neighborhood is simply off Victory Freeway within the space of Gator’s Pub.
Black bears typically keep away from folks every time potential and are hardly ever aggressive. Those that encounter a bear ought to stay calm and keep away from startling or scary the animal.
The Rhode Island Division of Environmental Administration advises that those that spot a black bear ought to make loud noises and attempt to seem massive. Again away slowly, and by no means run or try to strategy the bear.
Black bears have roamed the forests of southern New England since earlier than the primary European settlers arrived. The animals had been delivered to the brink of extinction however have reemerged in latest a long time, primarily within the forests of Massachusetts and Connecticut. Their numbers in Rhode Island are nonetheless thought of comparatively small, however are anticipated to extend.
“Rhode Island residents can count on to see extra bears in coming years, significantly within the rural components of Windfall, Kent and Washington Counties,” notes a publication on the animals from the RI DEM Fish & Wildlife Division.
Smithfield police not too long ago warned residents of a rise in black bear sightings.
To assist decrease bear encounters, residents are suggested to restrict meals sources, eradicating objects similar to chook and squirrel feeders or pet meals dishes from yards and securing the lids of rubbish containers.
Bear sightings ought to be reported to the RIDEM Division of Fish & Wildlife at (401) 789-0281. Within the occasion of an emergency, all the time dial 9-1-1.
Extra data on American Black Bears will be discovered here and here.
