Black Bear Sighting Season In New York, One Stuck In Chicken Feeder

The report of Black Bear sighting continue to happen throughout our community from Walton to Vestal and many other areas of the Southern Tier.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation estimates there are between 6,000 and 8,000 bears the state with the highest concentration being in the Adirondack and Catskills regions.

One example: At the beginning of July, officers with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation down in Greene County came across something interesting -- a bear cub with its head stuck in a chicken feeder.

The officers had received several calls about the cub over the course of several days. Officers were able to distract the mother away from her cubs for long enough to safely get the feeder off the cub's head.

Closer to home, black bears are a common sight in the warmer months. If you scroll through social media long enough, you'll likely see at least one of your friends share a picture and video of someone spotting a bear in their neighborhood.

The DEC reminds people that Bears are very curious animals and the are always on the look out for food, so you should never leave food out for animals, especially in locations where bears inhabit.

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They can remain in hibernation throughout the winter months and become active in the spring and summer months.

A few years ago I remember a Bear was spotted in the residential area of the East Side of Binghamton, and others reported in Apalachin and Vestal around the same time.

READ MORE: Bear Warning in Vestal

The Bear population in the state has been on the rise, and more and more sighting are being reported each year.

Black Bears are large and the males can weight up to 300 pounds, they will eat most anything, and it is illegal to feed them.

READ MORE: Women Fends Off Bear Attack With Laptop

In New York State the DEC protects the natural resources and prohibits poaching, black market pet trade, emissions violations, solid waste dumping, and illegal mining.

Animals can get sick on chemicals, choke on dumped materials, and get caught in pieces of illegally discarded debris.

If you see a bear in a area of concern. call the DEC  607 753 3095 ext. 247.

For More information on Bears and what you should Know CLICK HERE