Tag:

Wildlife Safety

Armonk
Police & Fire
Black Bear Activity On Rise, North Castle Police Warn: Here Are Tips For Encounters Black Bear Activity On Rise, North Castle Police Warn: Here Are Tips For Encounters
Black Bear Activity On Rise, North Castle Police Warn: Here Are Tips For Encounters A police department in Northern Westchester is warning residents to be on the lookout for black bears as they emerge from their winter dens.  In an announcement posted on social media on Wednesday, March 13, the North Castle Police Department warned residents that black bear activity is rising as the animals come out of their dens for spring.  The department also gave tips on what residents can do to minimize encounters:  Never feed or approach bears, including unintentional feeding such as allowing the animals to go through bird feeders, barbecue grills, or pet food; Clean…

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by Ben Crnic
New Canaan
Police & Fire
Residents Beware: Uptick In Bobcat Sightings In New Canaan Residents Beware: Uptick In Bobcat Sightings In New Canaan
Residents Beware: Uptick In Bobcat Sightings In New Canaan Police in a Fairfield County town are warning residents of an uptick in the number of bobcat sightings at parks and in yards. New Canaan Police Lt. Marc DeFelice said the recent spike is causing concern and even though they usually shy away from humans, wants to remind residents not to approach the cats and to report any sightings to the New Canaan Animal Control. Related story: Family Of Bobcats Takes Over Backyard Of Home In New Canaan The following precautions can help people and wildlife such as bobcats to co-exist safely: Never intentionally feed wildlife. Don’t feed wildlife acc…

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by Kathy Reakes
Morris
News
Black Bear Sightings Close Boonton's Tourne County Park Black Bear Sightings Close Boonton's Tourne County Park
Black Bear Sightings Close Boonton's Tourne County Park A Morris County park has been shut down until further notice following a series of black bear sightings, officials said Wednesday, June 21. The bear was seen acting aggressively toward visitors at Tourne County Park, according to the Morris County Park Commission. The commission cited dog owners’ unleashed animals as the reasoning behind the black bear’s behavior. One instance reportedly involved a sow protecting a trio of cubs. The Morris County Sheriff’s Patrol Unit is in charge of monitoring the park. Residents can stay updated on its reopening date by visiting the Morris County Park C…

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by Valerie Musson
New Canaan
Police & Fire
Dog Walker Approached By Coyote In New Canaan Park Dog Walker Approached By Coyote In New Canaan Park
Dog Walker Approached By Coyote In New Canaan Park Police and animal control in Fairfield County are warning residents to be on the lookout for wild animals in parks and woods after a dog walker was approached by a coyote. The incident took place in New Canaan around 7:15 a.m. Wednesday, April 19 in the Jeniam Meadow at Waveny Park. According to New Canaan Animal Control Officer Allyson Halm, a woman was walking her dog when she noticed a coyote following them about two feet behind. The woman, who knew you need to be "large and loud" when confronted by wild animals, made loud noises to try and scare the coyote away, Halm said. When that di…

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by Kathy Reakes
Hartford
News
Number Of Bears Breaking Into CT Homes Soars Amid New Concerns After Attack On Morris Boy Number Of Bears Breaking Into CT Homes Soars Amid New Concerns After Attack On Morris Boy
Number Of Bears Breaking Into CT Homes Soars Amid New Concerns After Attack On Morris Boy State wildlife officials are urging residents to take care when it comes to black bears with more home entries on the rise and on the heels of the attack of a 10-year-old boy. So far this year, there have been 65 entries into homes -- the highest since 2004 -- with damage done to 286 structures, including homes, said officials with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Black bears have also destroyed some 796 bird feeders; attacked 24 pets; 146 livestock; 1,234 garbage cans, and 24 vehicles.  And while we may smile when we all see fun photos of bears, DEEP says …

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by Kathy Reakes
Armonk
Lifestyle
Watch: Black Bear Makes Its Way Up Driveway In Armonk Watch: Black Bear Makes Its Way Up Driveway In Armonk
Watch: Black Bear Makes Its Way Up Driveway In Armonk A Northern Westchester family received an unexpected visitor when a black bear took a tour of the neighborhood. In Armonk, a Chestnut Ridge Road resident captured video of the four-legged visitor who was taking in the sights while wandering in his backyard at approximately 2:20 a.m. on Tuesday, May 24. During the short video, the bear can be seen peacefully walking up the driveway, setting off a security light before making its way toward a nearby wooded area. Related story - Coyote, Bear Sightings Reported Within Days In This Northern Westchester Town The Department of Environment…

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by Zak Failla
White Plains
Lifestyle
Coyote Advisory Issued In Pelham Manor After Multiple Sightings Coyote Advisory Issued In Pelham Manor After Multiple Sightings
Coyote Advisory Issued In Pelham Manor After Multiple Sightings A coyote advisory has been issued in a Westchester village after multiple sightings were reported in the area. The Pelham Manor Police Department issued an alert on Wednesday, May 4, advising that there have been sightings on both the north and south ends of the village and the surrounding areas. Residents have been advised to be on high alert following the sightings. Researchers said that the warmer weather leads to mating season, followed by pup raising, and then dispersal, leading to the rise in sightings in recent weeks. Officials noted that coyote sightings are not a rare occurrence…

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by Zak Failla
Chappaqua
News
New Bear Sighting Reported In Northern Westchester New Bear Sighting Reported In Northern Westchester
New Bear Sighting Reported In Northern Westchester A new black bear sighting has just been reported in the region. It comes from Northern Westchester where the bear was spotted in the Town of New Castle on the North County Trailway in the vicinity of Random Farms Drive, the New Castle Police Department said late Friday morning, April 29. "The (New York State) Environmental Conservation advises that bears will only be encouraged to leave the area unless the bear creates a public disturbance, acts aggressively towards a human or a pet, attempts to enter a home, or is injured and cannot move freely to escape," the department noted. …

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by Joe Lombardi
Brookfield
Lifestyle
New Sighting Of 'Bear 211' Reported In Fairfield County New Sighting Of 'Bear 211' Reported In Fairfield County
New Sighting Of 'Bear 211' Reported In Fairfield County A black bear taking a summer stroll in Fairfield County made the most of a neighbor’s amenities as it took in the sights over the weekend. A Town of Fairfield woman living in the Greenfield Hill neighborhood shared photos of “Bear 211” who had previously been tagged, as it made the rounds for approximately 45 minutes in the family’s backyard at around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 24. Related story - Police Urge Caution After Black Bear Sightings In Fairfield County During its visit, the bear sauntered up to her children, getting within approximately 20 feet of them before they were us…

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by Zak Failla
Mount Pleasant
News
Black Bear Spotted On Busy Roadway In Northern Westchester Black Bear Spotted On Busy Roadway In Northern Westchester
Black Bear Spotted On Busy Roadway In Northern Westchester Some Northern Westchester residents welcomed an unexpected visitor to the neighborhood when a black bear was spotted making the rounds in the area. The Peekskill Police Department issued an alert that there was a reported black bear sighting this week in the area of Welcher Avenue and Washington Street. While taking in the sights, the bear did not approach anyone or cause any disturbances. Police cautioned that “if you happen to spot a bear please do not approach or disturb it.” Anyone who requires assistance can reach out to the Peekskill Police Department by calling (914) 737-8000. The …

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by Zak Failla
North Rockland
News
Grin, Bear It: Recent Rise In Hudson Valley Sightings Prompts Warning From Officials Grin, Bear It: Recent Rise In Hudson Valley Sightings Prompts Warning From Officials
Grin, Bear It: Recent Rise In Hudson Valley Sightings Prompts Warning From Officials A recent rise in bear sightings in Rockland County has caused concern for some elected officials who are warning area residents to be safe. Ramapo Town Supervisor Michael Specht issued an alert on Monday, Sept. 21 warning that his office has received multiple calls from residents regarding the recent uptick in sightings. It is unclear whether it is one bear, a family, or a group making the rounds in Rockland. “My office has received multiple calls from residents who are rightfully concerned about recent bear sightings,” Specht said. “This is the first in a series of updates with tips for…

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by Zak Failla
Shelton
News
Man, Dog Bitten By Bear While Walking Connecticut Trail Man, Dog Bitten By Bear While Walking Connecticut Trail
Man, Dog Bitten By Bear While Walking Connecticut Trail A man and one of his dogs were bitten by a bear in Connecticut over the weekend in Hartford County.  Simsbury Police Sgt. Brad Chase said that at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, a man was walking his three dogs in the McLean Game Refuge off Firetown Road when they encountered a bear. Chase said that the bear bit the dog, and while attempting to intervene, he too was bitten in the leg by the bear. The man sought medical attention and was treated for the non-life-threatening injury. During the incident, one of the dogs, a 50-pound golden retriever named Lucy, got loose, thou…

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by Zak Failla
Westport
Lifestyle
Multiple Black Bear Sightings Reported In Westport Multiple Black Bear Sightings Reported In Westport
Multiple Black Bear Sightings Reported In Westport There have been multiple new black bear sightings reported as the weather continues to warm up. The Westport Police Department said that on Monday, June 29, it received multiple reports of black bears making the rounds in the northern section of town. Police said that at least one bear cub and one large male bear were spotted by local residents. The bears were not acting aggressively, and seemed to be acting normally. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Wildlife Division (DEEP) was notified. 
“Black bears are becoming increasingly common in Connecticut,” pol…

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by Zak Failla
Ridgefield
News
New Bear Sighting Reported In Ridgefield New Bear Sighting Reported In Ridgefield
New Bear Sighting Reported In Ridgefield Some area residents received an unexpected visitor, as a bear took a stroll through a local neighborhood. Animal Control officers from the Ridgefield Police Department received a report at approximately 8 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, of a black bear that was making the rounds on High Ridge Avenue. Police said that the bear was spotted walking down the roadway, though it did not present any danger as it headed south on High Ridge Avenue. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection was alerted, and the bear shuffled off without incident. Officials warned that bears are…

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by Zak Failla
Litchfield
News
Bear Sighting Reports On Rise In Connecticut Bear Sighting Reports On Rise In Connecticut
Bear Sighting Reports On Rise In Connecticut With warmer weather reaching the region as spring begins anew, there has been a reported uptick in black bear sightings in Connecticut, officials said. The New York State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said that there have been more bear activity since the weather broke, with many waking from hibernation and looking for sustenance. Officials warned that bears are attracted to bird feeders and garbage, and are more likely to revisit places they’ve found food in the past.  It was advised that bird feeders shouldn’t be out at this point of the year, garbage containers …

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by Zak Failla
Mount Pleasant
News
New Black Bear Sighting Reported In Westchester New Black Bear Sighting Reported In Westchester
New Black Bear Sighting Reported In Westchester A new black bear sighting has been reported in Northern Westchester. The Bedford Police Department issued an alert to area residents warning that the bear was seen in the Bedford Village area of town. Other recent sightings in the area have happened in North Castle, Danbury, Beekman, Poughkeepsie, Ramapo, Ossining, and Clarkstown. According to police, residents should not leave garbage cans or any food outside. Bears should never be approached, surrounded or cornered, as bears will “aggressively defend themselves if they feel threatened. “Be especially cautious around cubs, as mother bears…

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by Zak Failla
Wyckoff-Franklin Lakes
Police & Fire
Coyote Kills 96-Year-Old Wyckoff Grandma's Chihuahua, Police Urge Precautions Coyote Kills 96-Year-Old Wyckoff Grandma's Chihuahua, Police Urge Precautions
Coyote Kills 96-Year-Old Wyckoff Grandma's Chihuahua, Police Urge Precautions A coyote killed a 96-year-old Wyckoff grandmother's chihuahua, prompting area alerts. Hartman was snatched Tuesday night from just outside Doris Heitman's back door in a wooded Spring Meadow retirement community Tuesday night. Her Heitman's grandson went into the woods with a kitchen knife and retrieved the dog’s body a short time later. "He was my best friend. He was my helper," said Heitman, whose husband, George, died two years ago "We were growing old together," she told News12 New Jersey. "I'm gonna miss him terribly." “Wyckoff Police responded and documented the incident and immedi…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Bronxville
Lifestyle
Grin, Bear It: Police Warn Of Latest Black Bear Sighting In Westchester Grin, Bear It: Police Warn Of Latest Black Bear Sighting In Westchester
Grin, Bear It: Police Warn Of Latest Black Bear Sighting In Westchester Let's bear down. The Rye Brook Police Department has issued an alert to local residents after a black bear was spotted in an area backyard, trying to take a peek over a fence as it looked around. Police said that there have been several sightings of a black bear over the weekend. On Saturday, it was in the County Ridge area, and on Sunday afternoon, it was in the vicinity of the Rye Ridge Shopping Center. According to police, residents should not leave garbage cans or any food outside. Bears should never be approached, surrounded or cornered, as bears will “aggressively defend themselves i…

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by Zak Failla
Clarkstown
Lifestyle
No One Interrupted This Massive Black Bear's Feast In Rockland No One Interrupted This Massive Black Bear's Feast In Rockland
No One Interrupted This Massive Black Bear's Feast In Rockland Summer is here, and so are the bears in Rockland County. A massive black bear was spotted in Hillburn, snacking on the scraps of some garbage it gained access to near the intersection of 5th Street and Hickory Avenue, Ramapo Police said. The bear gave some residents a small scare before taking back off into the woods without any incident, police said, though some were startled by the sheer size of the black bear. The sighting is just the latest in the Hudson Valley in recent weeks. A bear on the prowl in Ossining forced police to increase patrols near an elementary school, while another ha…

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by Zak Failla
Armonk
News
Police Increase Patrols Near School Following Bear Sighting In Northern Westchester Police Increase Patrols Near School Following Bear Sighting In Northern Westchester
Police Increase Patrols Near School Following Bear Sighting In Northern Westchester Police in Westchester are beefing up patrols at a nearby elementary school after a black bear was spotted making the rounds in the front yard of an area home. The Ossining Police Department released a video that was shot in the morning on Thursday, June 20 on Oakbrook Road. In the video, the small bear can be seen curiously walking across the front lawn of the property, looking around. In response, the Ossining Police Department announced it would be adding some officers in the area around school dismissal “to make sure the kids and bear don’t mix,” adding, “everyone’s going home safe today…

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by Zak Failla
North Salem
Police & Fire
They're Back: Black Bear Spotted Off Route 22 They're Back: Black Bear Spotted Off Route 22
They're Back: Black Bear Spotted Off Route 22 The bears are waking up and are busy dumpster diving and ravaging garbage cans. This bear was spotted off Route 22 in Brewster on Monday, March 25, by a Daily Voice reader. Environmental officials say that means its time to lock your garbage cans, remove bird feeders from yards, and to watch your household pets if they free roam in your yard. A few tips to remember if approached by a bear: Remain calm and avoid sudden movements; Give the bear plenty of room, allowing it to continue its activities undisturbed. If it changes its behavior, you are too close, back away; If you see a bea…

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by Kathy Reakes
Armonk
Lifestyle
Mystery Surrounds Sighting: Is It A Fox Or Coyote Roaming Around Westchester Backyards? Mystery Surrounds Sighting: Is It A Fox Or Coyote Roaming Around Westchester Backyards?
Mystery Surrounds Sighting: Is It A Fox Or Coyote Roaming Around Westchester Backyards? Click here for an updated story -  Vote Now: Is It A Fox Or Coyote Roaming Around Westchester Backyards? Keep your pets on a tight leash. There’s been a brand new wild animal sighting in Westchester. The Tuckahoe Police Department issued an alert for a “large coyote or fox” that was caught on camera in backyards on Dante Avenue and Bella Vista Street. The animal was spotted at approximately 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 14. Police said that the Department of Environmental Conservation advises that coyotes are well adapted to suburban and even some urban environments, but for the most part t…

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by Zak Failla
Mount Pleasant
Lifestyle
Videos: Black Bear Interrupting Family Doing Weekend Lawn Work Among New Sightings Videos: Black Bear Interrupting Family Doing Weekend Lawn Work Among New Sightings
Videos: Black Bear Interrupting Family Doing Weekend Lawn Work Among New Sightings Looking for a good excuse to get out of doing lawn work? A family in the area found the perfect one on Sunday. A large black bear interrupted them as they were fertilizing their lawn in Putnam County. After taking cover inside their home on North Knapp Court, they watched and took the above videos and photos of the unexpected visitor. Before retreating back into the woods, the bear knocked over a wheelbarrow and helped itself to a 40-pound bag of fertilizer, which it carried in its mouth as it made its exit. It was the second bear sighting reported in Northern Westchester/Putnam in as ma…

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by Joe Lombardi
Mount Pleasant
Lifestyle
New Bear Sightings Reported In Northern Westchester New Bear Sightings Reported In Northern Westchester
New Bear Sightings Reported In Northern Westchester Have you seen it? There's a bear on the prowl near the border of Northern Westchester and Putnam. Peekskill Police dispatch said it's likely just one bear who was spotted multiple times Wednesday morning is moving around the area of Park Street. An animal control officer is making the bear is not bothering anyone, police said. Another bear, probably the same one, visited a home in Garrison (about eight miles north of Peekskill) on Tuesday. During that stop, the bear checked out the garbage can and just kind of wondered around nice and calm before heading out.  Related story - Bear With …

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by Kathy Reakes
North Salem
News
Black Bear Spotted In Northern Westchester Town For Second Time This Week Black Bear Spotted In Northern Westchester Town For Second Time This Week
Black Bear Spotted In Northern Westchester Town For Second Time This Week Related story: Black Bear Attacks Area Resident In Garage, Police Say A black bear has been spotted for the second time this week in a Northern Westchester town, prompting police to issue a new advisory. The latest bear sighting in New Castle occurred Saturday morning in the vicinity of Douglas Road and Kipp Street in Chappaqua.  "Be cautious and stay alert," New Castle Police said in an advisory. On Monday, a bear was observed near the intersection of Vails Lane and Inningwood, according to New Castle Police. Here are some tips in case you have a close encounter with a bear: …

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by Joe Lombardi
Armonk
News
One Dangerous Coyote At Large, Another Killed In Southern Westchester One Dangerous Coyote At Large, Another Killed In Southern Westchester
One Dangerous Coyote At Large, Another Killed In Southern Westchester While one coyote has been dealt with in Yonkers after attacking several people and killing a small dog in Greenburgh, police are warning about a second that they are tracking down who could be a danger in the area. The Yonkers Police Department issued an alert late on Thursday evening about the coyote, which remains at large, as members of the Emergency Service Unit work with members of the Westchester Department of Public Safety in an attempt to locate it. This week, the first coyote - which has since been killed - was on the prowl in both Greenburgh and Yonkers, attacking three people. G…

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by Zak Failla
Mount Pleasant
News
Coyote Attacks People, Kills Dog In Westchester Coyote Attacks People, Kills Dog In Westchester
Coyote Attacks People, Kills Dog In Westchester Updated reports: One Dangerous Coyote At Large, Another Killed In Southern Westchester Coyote Ugly: New Westchester Attack Reported  Drones Being Used To Track Coyote That Bit People, Killed Dog In Hastings  Earlier report: Police are warning residents to be on the alert for a wandering coyote who may be rabid in Hastings-on-Hudson. The warning comes after three people were bitten and a dog was killed on Wednesday in the Village of Hastings, said Lt. David Dosin. The events unfolded around 3:50 p.m. Wednesday when the department received a call from a resident who reported being involved…

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by Kathy Reakes