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Residents of the Town of Ulster are being advised to stay vigilant following multiple bear sightings in the area. The bears have been spotted rummaging through bird feeders, bushes, and garbage cans, causing concern among locals. The sightings have been reported in the Quarryville and Barclay Heights neighborhoods in nearby Saugerties as well.
During a Town Board meeting on Thursday (May 1), residents expressed their worries about the bears' visits to their properties. One resident mentioned a "300-pound bear" roaming the Fox Run and Sunrise Park areas, as reported by the Daily Freeman.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a reminder to residents to be "BearWise" during this time. According to WBNG, bears are emerging from their winter dens and are in search of food, making them more likely to come into contact with humans. The DEC advises securing outdoor food sources, such as garbage cans, bird feeders, and pet food, to reduce the risk of attracting bears.
Black bears, which are the second largest mammals in New York, are a natural part of the state's ecosystem. The DEC encourages residents to participate in the iSeeMammals project, which helps track bear sightings and collect data on their distribution. This citizen science initiative aims to better understand and manage the black bear population in New York.
Residents with questions or concerns about bear encounters are encouraged to contact the DEC for guidance. By following BearWise practices, the community can help prevent potential conflicts and ensure both human and bear safety.