Jul 8, 2008 9:31 pm US/Eastern
Black Bear Sightings Increase In N.H.
WBZ Reporter Jim Smith
PLAISTOW, N.H. (WBZ) ―
There have been several bear sightings in New Hampshire within the last few weeks, including incidents of bears roaming through neighborhoods and rummaging through back yards.
The bears have been spotted in Plaistow, Kingston and Newton.
Officials say the bears are often attracted to something in the yard.
"I've lived in Plaistow for 25 years and have never seen a bear," said Plaistow resident Paul Linblad.
Linblad found a black bear in his back yard last week feasting on bird seed and tearing apart the feeder.
"He looked over once and just kept right on eating," Linblad said.
Linblad took a couple of still shots, which the bear appeared to pose for, and then he tried to shoo it away.
"He just looked at us when I yelled at him, walked halfway over, turned around and looked at me," Linblad explained. "I yelled again, and he just kept on going."
So what would make a bear come out of the woods and into a back yard? He's hungry and that's why the bears hit these bird feeders constantly.
It turns out that bear sightings are becoming more common every year with development impacting their habitat. But experts say there are things to do if confronted by a bear.
"It's bad to run. I would back away slowly, keep your eye on the bear, and get back as quickly as you can, and normally the bear will watch you," said Dave Sargent with Laistow Animal Control. "If they don't feel threatened they won't attack."
Lindblad is certainly glad the 150 pound creature didn't attack. The bear did a number on the feeders but it could have been worse.
Experts say bears are very active this time of year because it is mating season. They also say the best way to keep the bears away is to remove back yard bird feeders for the summer.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
