Residents of Armonk in North Castle have reported multiple sightings of black bears, particularly along the Route 128 corridor near the New Castle border. Local authorities are urging the community to exercise caution and familiarize themselves with safety guidelines regarding encounters with bears.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and Bearwise.org offer comprehensive advice on how to safely coexist with bear populations. Key recommendations include:
- Do Not Feed Bears: Deliberate or inadvertent feeding of bears is strongly discouraged as it can lead to bears becoming habituated to human presence.
- Secure Food Sources: Residents are advised to remove or secure food sources that may attract bears, such as pet foods, bird feeders, and garbage cans.
- Exercise Caution: If you encounter a bear, maintain a safe distance and do not approach or attempt to interact with it.
Residents who feel uncertain or uncomfortable about a bear sighting should not hesitate to contact the North Castle Police Department at (914) 273-9500, or in urgent situations, dial 911.
Community awareness and adherence to these guidelines are crucial for preventing potential conflicts between humans and bears as they move closer to inhabited areas.