Black Bear Sightings Increase Across Southeastern Massachusetts as Wildlife Officials Urge Residents to Stay Alert

Southshore Mass-Residents across southeastern Massachusetts are seeing more signs of a growing black bear presence, with another reported sighting adding to a wave of recent encounters throughout the region.

The latest sighting has raised attention among communities that are not typically associated with frequent bear activity. Reports of black bears have increased in several towns as the animals continue expanding into new areas of Massachusetts in search of food, shelter, and territory.

For many residents, seeing a bear in a neighborhood, along a roadside, or near wooded areas can be surprising. However, state wildlife officials say black bears are becoming a more common part of the Massachusetts landscape. As forests recover and bear populations grow, young bears especially may travel farther distances while searching for their own territory.

Why are more bears being seen?

Experts say several factors can contribute to increased bear encounters:

• Growing bear populations: Massachusetts has seen its black bear population expand over the past several decades.
• Loss of natural habitat: Development can push wildlife closer to residential areas as forests become more fragmented.
• Easy access to food: Bird feeders, unsecured trash, pet food, compost piles, and outdoor grills can attract bears.
• Seasonal movement: Bears are often more active during warmer months as they search for calories.

Young bears, known as yearlings, are especially likely to wander into unfamiliar areas after leaving their mothers and looking for new territory.

What residents should do if they see a bear

Wildlife officials recommend that people never approach a bear or attempt to follow it for photos or videos. Bears that appear calm are still wild animals and can react unpredictably if they feel threatened.

Residents should:

• Keep a safe distance from any bear.
• Bring children and pets inside if a bear is nearby.
• Make noise from a safe location to encourage the bear to leave.
• Never feed a bear, even if it appears harmless.
• Secure trash cans and remove possible food sources around homes.

How to make your property less attractive to bears

Homeowners can reduce the chance of a bear visiting their property by:

• Storing garbage in a secure container.
• Taking trash out as close to pickup time as possible.
• Removing bird feeders when bears are active nearby.
• Cleaning outdoor grills after use.
• Keeping pet food indoors.

Officials say most black bears are not looking for conflict with people and will usually move on when they do not find an easy food source.

As sightings continue across southeastern Massachusetts, residents are being encouraged to report unusual bear activity and remain aware when spending time outdoors, especially near wooded areas and conservation land.

Plimoth Today will continue following wildlife reports and public safety updates affecting Plymouth County and surrounding communities.