WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – One Westfield, Massachusetts, resident was met with a big surprise when a black bear made an appearance on their deck.
22News received this photo from a viewer on Saturday morning, located on West Road in Westfield. The black bear was captured on camera standing on its hind legs on the deck, leaning forward among the many plants. It almost looks as if it were posing for the picture!
Black bear sightings typically peak in June and continue during the summer during mating season, which is between mid-June and mid-July. Despite mating season being over, residents should still be cautious of bears in the area and prevent them from becoming dependent on human-associated foods.
There are estimated to be over 4,500 black bears in Massachusetts, and these numbers continue to expand. To avoid conflict and respect these animals’ space, it is important to ensure that these bears do not become habituated, or accustomed, to human food and trash.
If you are aware of bear sightings in your neighborhood, secure all food indoors and store all garbage in closed containers in a garage, bear-resistant caddy, or indoor space. Do not leave any food scraps outdoors, as bears have an excellent sense of smell as well as an exemplary memory, which they can use to return to your home to locate more food in the future.
If you encounter a black bear while outdoors, talk in a calm voice and slowly back away–do not run. If a black bear makes contact with you, fight back. However, black bears are often wary of humans, and their hearing will alert them to the presence of humans.
If you have photos or videos of wildlife you’d like to send to 22News, email ReportIt@wwlp.com.