The Infamous WNY Bear is Really on the Move – Why? Where is he Going and What Should YOU do? Interesting Facts!

The question on social media – is it a bear or bears?

On Monday, a bear was spotted several times in Alden.

Niagara County Sheriff’s Department had reports that the bear was seen on Lake Road in Porter on Sunday afternoon. NCSD officials urge folks not to panic over the bear, just to use common sense. Do not leave any food out, including bird seed. Do not leave garbage out. Do not leave pets out unattended.  And of course, do not approach the bear. He is in search of food. It is not uncommon for bears to travel such a distance – the males are known to travel up to 100 square miles.

Joanne Basra took this photo of the bear climbing a fence.

He’s been on the move for days. The black bear is all the talk on social media in Western New York as folks follow his track – from Amherst near the 990 to North Tonawanda, where he was spotted in the area of 17th and 18th Avenues early Friday morning.

Here is some interesting and important information from the New York State Department of Conservation

Here’s what we’ve learned.

• They’re travelers –Adult bears have large home ranges, with males traveling up to 100 square miles, and females traveling 25 to 50 square miles.
• Bears are curious – They spend a great deal of time exploring for food, and this can bring them close to humans.
• Bears are intelligent – Bears learn from experience. If an activity results in food, they will repeat that activity. If an encounter with a human is negative, they learn to avoid humans. Also if an encounter with a human doesn’t result in a reward (food), they will not have any reason to have contact with humans.
• It’s all about food – Bears are more likely to seek out human food sources in the spring, when natural food is scarce, and in the summer, particularly during periods of drought.
• Feeding black bears is prohibited – DEC has adopted a regulation prohibiting the deliberate and intentional feeding of black bears.
• Remove bird feeders after April 1. New York’s black bears begin emerging from their winter dens in mid to late March. Bird feed such as suet and seeds are a very strong attraction for bears, even if they can’t reach it.
• Do not feed pets outside. Leftover food or even an empty dish can attract a bear.
• Do not operate refrigerators or freezers outside or on porches. Bears can smell what is inside.

We also received photos of a bear in Elma last week.

Officials are reminding folks to never approach a bear and to keep your pets inside! Be careful!