Black bears are present in Plymouth County, Massachusetts

black bears are present in Plymouth County, Massachusetts. 

A few bears have been sighted in the area recently, including one on the South Shore that has been present for a few years. Massachusetts wildlife officials say reports that bears are increasingly venturing into residential areas as they search for food. 

Recent Bear Sightings over the years

A bear has been observed in the greater Plymouth area for a few years. 

Another bear, dubbed Pumpkin, was seen across the South Shore last year but was later killed by a hunter. 

Reports of bears in various towns, including Marion, Plymouth, and Carver, have surfaced recently. 

A bear was even struck by a car on Route 3 in Plymouth, though its whereabouts after the incident are unknown. 

What to Do If You Encounter a Bear:

• Don’t approach, make noise, or try to feed it: Bears are usually just passing through, and getting too close can scare them into a defensive reaction. 
• If you encounter a bear, stay calm: Back away slowly, and talk to the bear in a calm voice. 
• Secure your food sources: Remove bird feeders, secure trash and recycling, and clean grills after use. 
• Protect your pets: Bring pets indoors, especially at night, and avoid leaving pet food outside. 
• Consider electric fencing: Electric fences are effective in protecting chicken coops and beehives. 

Important Notes:

Black bears are generally not aggressive unless they feel threatened or are protecting their young. 

MassWildlife recommends that residents practice good “bear-friendly” habits to minimize negative interactions. 

If you see a bear, report it to MassWildlife or your local police department.