The Attica Police Department received a report of a black bear in the Village of Attica.
At about 4:00 a.m. Friday, June 29, 2018, a motorist on West Main Street, Route 354, spotted a black bear in the roadway. The motorist believed it to be a very large dog, however as the driver slowed down they realized it was a bear. The bear was reported in the area of Bunnell Street and West Main Street and described as a younger adult.
Police believe this could be the same bear spotted in the area of Geise Road in the
Town of Bennington about a week ago, as reported by a civilian on Facebook.
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation web site https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals if you encounter a bear do the following:
Never approach, surround or corner a bear – Bears aggressively defend themselves if threatened.
Use Noise to Scare away Bears – yell, clap, or bang pots immediately upon siting the bear.
Never Run from a Bear – stay calm, speak in a loud and calm voice, slowly back away.
Do Not Throw any objects at an approaching Bear. Once the bear leaves, remove all attractants such as bird seed, garbage and pet food.
Bears eat nearly anything – they are omnivorous.
Bears are curious – they spend a great deal of time exploring for food.
Bears are intelligent – they learn from experience. If an activity results in food, they will repeat that activity. It is illegal in New York State to feed bears.
Keep all small animals indoors or chaperoned if let outside for the time being. If you see or encounter a bear contact the Attica Police Department at 585-591-0881 or the Wyoming County Sheriff Office at 585-786-2255. DEC pamphlet’s concerning bear encounters can be obtained at the Village Office located at 9 Water Street or the Police Department located at 43 Exchange Street.