In a recent video posted on Facebook from East Acton, a hulking figure ambles across the lawn, unaware they are being recorded by a doorbell camera. No, it is not a criminal casing the neighborhood. It is an Ursus americanus, also known as an American black bear. The Facebook reactions to the post range from awe to fear, sometimes in the same comment.
Black bear sightings in Acton and Boxborough are more common than one might expect, based on a series of Facebook posts:
- April 5, Flagg Hill Rd., Boxborough
- May 29, Arbors Neighborhood off Davis Road
- July 8, Sandy Drive and Wayside Lane, South Acton
- July 25, Burroughs Rd, Boxborough
- August 31, Strawberry Hill Rd.
Some of these sightings are probably the same bear as it wanders into different neighborhoods. Other sightings probably go unreported. The actual bear count in Acton is unknown, but almost certainly on the rise.
Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife estimates that 4,500 American black bears call Massachusetts home. They are well established in the western part of the state. But the map below shows they are expanding their territory inside of Route 495.
It can be quite alarming to see such a large wild animal in your neighborhood. Black bear females weigh about 175 pounds, about the size of many humans. Males are significantly larger and weigh 300-400 pounds and stand 5-7 feet tall on their hind legs. And both males and females have sharp teeth and claws which can damage property – or worse.
Black bears generally hibernate from December to March, but as climate change creates milder winters, this period of hibernation is becoming shorter. During hibernation, the bears will not eat, drink or expel waste. When they emerge from hibernation, they have some business to attend to.
Black bears are wary creatures with a keen sense of smell and hearing, so they usually sense the presence of humans before humans see them, and will keep their distance. However, they will become aggressive if they, or their cubs, feel threatened. While bear sightings become more common, up-close encounters are rare – bears will probably be about as surprised to see you as you are to see them. Bears will enter neighborhoods if it seems quiet and there is food around such as bird feeders, compost piles, garbage and maybe small pets or chickens. They can ravage corn fields, orchards and beehives as they fatten up for the winter hibernation. And they remember their food sources from year to year and will make repeat visits if they find easy food.
While it is pretty thrilling to see these cute but potentially dangerous creatures in your yard, it is safer for both humans and bears to discourage them from visiting. Ian Bergmann, the Town of Acton Land Stewardship Coordinator, advises in an email: “The biggest concern is that wildlife will become conditioned to finding food among humans and therefore cause conflict. It’s always best practice to keep food/food waste out of sight and out of smell.” Acton Police chief, Jim Cogan, said in an email that if a bear becomes a habitual nuisance they will report it to the Massachusetts Environmental Police to respond.
Here are some tips for co-existing with black bears: (https://www.mass.gov/doc/printable-quick-tips-for-avoiding-bear-conflicts/download)
- Never intentionally feed bears.
- Remove bird feeders. Use natural plantings to feed birds instead.
- Protect pets and chickens. Bears that encounter dogs may become aggressive. Use electric fencing on your chicken coop.
- Secure your trash and compost. Keep trash in closed containers and, if possible, in a garage or shed.
- If you encounter a black bear, speak calmly and back away slowly. Do not run.
- If a black bear attacks, fight back.
Tom Wolf has been a resident of Acton since 2001 and is a volunteer on the Land Steward Committee.