Lewisboro Police Warn About Bears

LEWISBORO, NY — Following a string of bear sightings in the region, the Lewisboro Police Department is reminding residents that while interactions with bears might be inevitable, there is plenty that can be done to prevent those interactions from putting the public or the bears at unnecessary risk .

“As we all know, bears do live in the Town of Lewisboro,” police officials wrote in an alert to Lewisboro residents. “If you see one please note that the best course of action to take is to never approach a bear and never run from a bear. Always back away slowly. You can use loud noises (pots and pans work great) to scare away a bear. Do not throw anything at a bear.”

Authorities also suggest preventative steps to limit the chance of interaction with bears.

The best way to keep bears from entering a yard is to remove any sort of food, public safety officials say. Even bird feeders should be removed April 1, according to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recommendations. Garbage cans should be emptied frequently and kept clean. Grills with leftover grease can also attract bears, officials warned.

The alert also suggested pets be fed only indoors and pet food not be stored outdoors.

While police encouraged residents to call 911 for any emergencies, including emergenices involving wildlife, the department reminded the community that police do not take reports on bear sightings.

The Lewisboro police last issued an alert about bears in May.

More information about black bears in the area and how to safely handle encounters is available from the NYSDEC here.