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8-04-2022 8:29pm
BEAR SIGHTING: Dobbs Ferry Mayor Warns Of A Visitor To The Village
Brian Harrod
Editor
DOBBS FERRY (WESTCHESTER COUNTY) NY: They say a bear is nothing more than a large raccoon
Mayor Vincent Rossillo reports that a bear was seen this week in the Village of Dobbs Ferry.
Bears will return to locations where they have found food in the past, so it is important to remove all available food sources near populated areas.
For the safety of everyone in our Dobbs Ferry community, please:
- Remove all bird feeders immediately.
- Store trash cans within the garages if at all possible. If garbage cans must be stored outdoors they should be secured with a large rubber strap over the lid to help the lids remain in place.
- Move compost bins as far away from homes as possible.
- Do not leave pet food outdoors.
- Outdoor grills should be cleaned as soon as is practicable after use.
The State is responsible for managing wildlife, so the Village has been directed to have residents report any bear sightings directly to the Region 3 Wildlife general telephone line at 845-256-3098.
If a bear or any wild animal is endangering the public, the Dobbs Ferry Police Department should be called immediately at 914-693-5500.
More information regarding living with bears can be found at http://bearwise.org
Additionally, the Warner Library and Irvington Public Library is co-presenting a free Zoom webinar with August 15 at 7pm on the subject. Brian Keating from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation will discuss black bear biology, New York’s black bear population, and how to avoid human-bear conflicts and co-exist peacefully with these magnificent animals.
Register here: https://bit.ly/3oaUhsJ
Previously, Irvington Recreation and Parks officials announced that a black bear and a cub were spotted in the Irvington Woods Park, near the Hermit's Grave.
Last month, the Yonkers Police Department warned that they had received reports of one or more black bears sighted in the Fox Terrace area next to the Dunwoodie Golf Course.
They say that the wild animal (or animals) retreated into the wooded areas without any incident.
Several others bear sightings in Yonkers have been reported since.
Any aggressive, attacking or emergency behavior should immediately be reported by calling 911.
Nuisance reports of animals can be reported to the NYS DEC here.
The DEC has many useful links that provide more information about black bears, reducing human-bear conflicts and black bear encounters.
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