Sighting of a large black bear reported: New Castle police issue alarm

NEW CASTLE, NY — Police are warning neighbors about a sighting of a large black bear in the area, but are taking a “live and let live” approach, advising that if the bear isn’t causing problems, it’s best to leave it alone.

A sighting of a large black bear was reported in Millwood, near the North County Trailway in the town of New Castle.

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Authorities recommend that residents do not approach or disturb the bears. They also advise removing all bear attractants such as food. Children and pets should be closely monitored.

“A bear is nothing more than a big raccoon,” Tom Koepf of the Department of Environmental Conservation told WABC-TV in 2015. “If there’s food, they’ll eat it, they’re just scavengers.”

The best way to deter bears from entering a yard, officials say, is to remove all food. Even bird feeders should be removed by April 1, according to NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recommendations. Garbage cans should be emptied regularly and kept clean. Compost piles should be placed as far away from houses as possible. Grills with grease residue can also attract bears, officials warned.

The NYS DEC advises that bears should only be asked to leave an area if the bear is not causing a public disturbance, is aggressive toward people or pets, is attempting to enter homes, or is injured and cannot move freely to escape.

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