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BEDFORD, N.Y. A black bear was spotted at a home on Buxton Road early Wednesday morning, according to Bedford Police. It was one of four black bear sightings in Bedford this month.
The resident called headquarters and an officer was sent to the address, but the animal was gone by the time the officer arrived, police said.
Sgt. Thomas Diebold said this is a typical scenario when the department gets a bear call, which he said has been only an occasional occurrence in his 20 years as a Bedford officer. He said they are basically shy animals.
Theyre more scared of you than humans are of them, probably, he said.
Diebold said it's possible the animal spotted on Buxton Road was also responsible for the three sightings reported in Bedford this month. Those occurred in the vicinities of Harris Road, Chestnut Ridge Road and McLain Street near Barker Street, which is by the Mount Kisco border.
Bedford has a lot of woods around it and [bears] can travel large distances," said Diebold.
There are steps homeowners can take to prevent visits from bears, coyotes, foxes, raccoons and other wild animals, said Diebold.
Dont leave garbage outside, because theyre looking for easy meals, he said. Its not foolproof, but its a good start.
Diebold said that when police get a bear call they advise the caller to go inside and try to keep an eye on the animal. Police will then call the Department of Environmental Conservation, and a representative will record the event.
The DEC does not physically respond to every call, especially in instances like these, Diebold said, but when they do, they are equipped with tranquilizer guns to subdue the bear if necessary.
"But Ive never seen it come to that, Diebold said.
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