After several alleged sightings around town, Massachusetts Environmental Police have verified the presence of a juvenile black bear in Plymouth. Tuesday evening there were reports of a bear moving in and out of the woods in the area of the South Plymouth development, the Ponds of Plymouth.
Where do bears live in Massachusetts?
Black bears in Massachusetts
Black bears live and breed in Worcester County, northern Middlesex County, and west to the Berkshires. Bears, mostly young males and some breeding females, are living in other eastern Massachusetts communities along Route 495.
How common are bears in Massachusetts?
Black bears (Ursus americanus) are common in Massachusetts with an estimated 4,500 bears residing in the state. They live throughout western Massachusetts and as far east as the I-95 corridor in the northern part of the state.
Are there Grizzlies in Massachusetts?
The only bear species that makes its home in Massachusetts is the black bear (Ursus americanus).
Are there bears in Cape Cod?
That bear liked to go east, and later in June 2012 it was tranquilized in a tree in the Boston suburb of Brookline, falling about 80 feet to the ground. State officials said the bear checked out OK and it was then exiled to the woods of western Massachusetts. Since then, it seems that Cape Cod has been bear-less.
How do you tell if there is a bear in the area?
Black Bear Sign
- Bear Tracks and Trails. Bears walk on the soles of their soft feet, so they often do not leave distinct tracks unless they walk through soft mud or snow.
- Scat / Droppings.
- Marking Trees and Poles.
- Straddle Trees and Bushes.
- Feeding Sign.
- Summer Beds.
- Winter Dens.
Do black bears come into houses?
Food is the primary reason bears break into homes, specifically because of the tremendous benefit they get from consuming calorie-rich human food. Just like humans, bears are constantly trying to minimize risk and maximize reward.
What to do if a black bear is in your yard?
Never run away from or approach him. Make yourself look as big as possible by spreading your arms or, better yet, a coat. Make as much noise as possible by yelling, banging pots and pans or using other noisemaking devices. If the bear approaches and you have bear spray, spray the bear as he approaches.
What time of day are bears the most active?
Bear Behavior
Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. Mating usually takes place in July. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer.
What attracts a bear the most?
Bears have an insatiable appetite and an amazing sense of smell, and they consider anything with a scent to be “food.” This can include canned goods, bottles, drinks, soaps, cosmetics, toiletries, trash, ice chests, sunscreen, bug repellant, fuel, items used for preparing or eating meals, etc.
Are there moose in Massachusetts?
Moose can now be found in most of western and central Massachusetts, with occasional sightings in eastern Massachusetts. Moose are an important natural resource in Massachusetts and their recent return is a testament to the state’s high quality wildlife habitat and management.
Are black bears friendly?
They are NOT mean or malicious. Bears are normally shy, retiring animals that have very little desire to interact with humans. Unless they are forced to be around humans to be near a food source, they usually choose to avoid us.
Do black bears come out during the day?
While bears typically are active around dusk and when it’s dark, this time of year they could be seen during any time of the day because they’re bulking up. While black bears have color phases, the ones in Maryland are almost all coal black in color, Brown said.
Are there bears in Provincetown MA?
Provincetown Bear Week is the largest gathering of bears in the world. Tens of thousands come to Provincetown during this annual event to go to parties, bars, and clubs throughout the town.
Are there rattlesnakes on Cape Cod?
Snakes are often depicted as evil and scary, but not all snakes are venomous or dangerous. There are only two poisonous snakes found in New England, the Copperhead and the Timber Rattlesnake, but they are not found in the Cape Cod region.
Do sea lions live in Cape Cod?
Over 30 species of seal, sea lion, and walrus dwell in the world’s waters, and a variety of seals inhabit the waters off Cape Cod.
Will a bear come into my tent?
Returning to your campsite to find a bear at your tent is scary. So much so that it is likely to ruin your whole day. Bears can and do get into tents very easily. They are invariably searching for food but may also be attracted by the scent of perfumes and other toiletries.
Will a bear stop if you stand your ground?
Do NOT run, but if the bear follows, stop and hold your ground. Bears can run as fast as a racehorse both uphill and down. Like dogs, they will chase fleeing animals. Do NOT climb a tree.
Will a bear try to get in your house?
n Many bears that enter homes do so through an unlocked or open window or door. Close and lock all bear-accessible windows and doors when you leave the house, and at night before you go to bed. n If you must leave downstairs windows open, install sturdy grates or bars. Screens don’t keep out bears.
What smells will keep bears away?
Scent Deterrents
A bear’s nose is 100 times more sensitive than a human’s. If you find bleach or ammonia fumes unpleasant, you can imagine what they smell like to a bear. Bleach or ammonia- based cleaners are good for trash cans and other areas where strong scents could attract bears.
What noises scare black bears?
Air horns and vehicle sirens emit approximately 80-120 decibels of sound. They can be effective when used in conjunction with human dominance techniques to move a bear off. Since no explosive is involved, these tools can be safely used in dry conditions.