Bear Sightings Reported In Ashland
According to the Ashland P.D., the Ashland Emergency Communications Center has received several calls reporting a bear sighting in the Grover Road area and a resident also posted a photo today of a bear in the Myrtle Street area.
Ashland Animal Control and the Mass Environmental Police are aware of the sightings and are monitoring the situation.
Massachusetts is home to a growing black bear population of more than 4,500 animals. While bears have traditionally been found in western and central Massachusetts, they are increasingly being seen in communities along and east of the Route 495 corridor.
Help Keep Bears Wild – Remove Food Sources
Black bears have an incredible sense of smell and excellent memories. If they find an easy meal, they are likely to return.
✅ Remove bird feeders and suet from April through November
✅ Secure trash and recycling containers in a garage or shed
✅ Put trash out on the morning of pickup, not the night before
✅ Do not leave pet food outdoors
✅ Clean BBQ grills thoroughly after each use
✅ Avoid adding meat, fish, or sweets to compost piles
If You Encounter a Bear:
● Keep your distance and never approach a bear.
● If the bear is nearby, make your presence known by talking loudly, clapping, or making other noises to encourage it to move along.
● Do not run or climb a tree if a bear approaches. Stand your ground, speak calmly, and slowly back away.
● Always keep dogs leashed in wooded areas to prevent them from cornering or provoking a bear.
● Black bears are generally shy and prefer to avoid people. The best way to prevent conflicts is to eliminate food sources that may attract them to neighborhoods.
If you observe a bear behaving aggressively or creating an immediate public safety concern, please contact the A.E.C.C. by calling 911 for emergencies or 508-881-1212 for non-emergency situations.
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