Black Bear Spotted In Haverhill, Police Issue Warning

Police have asked residents in Haverhill to be on alert after multiple people spotted a black bear in the Windsor Street, Mill Street, and Lake Saltonstall area.

Residents in the Windsor Street, Mill Street, and Lake Saltonstall area of Haverhill recently spotted a black bear.
Photo Credit: *Haverhill Police Department*

Josh Lanier

06/03/2024 4:31 p.m.

Haverhill police issued the warning in a Facebook post on Monday, June 3.

Black bears are usually afraid of people, and will likely run away if confronted. However, there is still a risk, and residents should take steps to prevent a close encounter with the animal, Haverhill police said.

Those included:

Remove bird feeders from their yards
Secure all trash, pet food, or livestock food if left outside
Do not feed pets outdoors
Keep pets indoors if possible, and keep them on leashes anytime they are outside

They also gave instructions on what to do if they see the bear, including:

Do not approach it
Do not try to feed it
Do not stop to take photos
Do not try to run from it (Black bears can run up to 35 miles per hour)
Make sure children know not to run away
Make as much noise as possible, make yourself look bigger, and back away from the area

Police ask anyone who sees the bear to contact Massachusetts Environmental Police Dispatch at 800-632-8075 or MassWildlife Northeast District at 978-772-2145. Call 911 If there is an emergency concerning the animal.

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