There are many adorable bears in Chappaqua. They are often sighted at children’s tea parties, bedrooms and toy stores. Although this variety of bear is always welcome in the hamlet, when a real live bear meanders in, the reaction is quite different. Residents call the police immediately and take precautions.
Last week the police received two calls regarding black bears in the vicinity of the Duck Pond and Douglas Road. According to Detective Sergeant James Wilson of the New Castle Police Department, it is very likely that both residents saw the same bear, since they tend to travel. He also mentioned that this is not an unusal occurence. “At this time of year, we always get one or two calls,” he related.
To keep bears at bay, Wilson urged everyone to secure their garbage, dismantle bird feeders and pay particular attention to dogs. Bears see diminutive canines as easy prey. If bears persist and become a bonafide threat, the Department of Environmental Conservation will be notified. They would shoot the bears with tranquilizer guns or trap them in a humane manner.
All sightings should be reported to the police and residents should keep their distance. These bears may look adorable but their demeanor is not.
