Black bear sightings causing a stir in Massachusetts town
By Mary Saladna
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CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (WCVB) — Wildlife experts are urging residents in one Massachusetts town to exercise caution following multiple black bear sightings.
A bear has been spotted repeatedly this week in Chelmsford’s Westlands neighborhood, surprising many residents.
“I just looked at my neighbor’s house, and there’s just this big furry pillow lounging and sitting next to that maple tree,” said Tom Salowsky, who has lived in the neighborhood for years.
Salowsky was able to snap a selfie with the bear, from a safe distance, of course.
“Very docile, it was just munching on seed,” he said. “It was incredible — I mean, to the point that I got a selfie with it, at what? 15, 20 feet? Yeah, that’s pretty cool.”
Salowsky sent the photo to his wife, Amanda, who was at work.
“All of a sudden he turned the FaceTime, and I’m like, ‘Are you kidding me?'” she said. “And he’s like, ‘Can you believe it?'”
The bear’s presence excited the whole family, including their dog Sox, who Salowsky said had been acting unusually during walks in recent days.
“Just making aggressive lunges and excitement I haven’t seen since he was a puppy,” he said.
The bear, which has tags on its ears, is likely being tracked by the state.
According to MassWildlife experts, bears are actively searching for outdoor food sources at this time of year.
Residents are advised to take in bird feeders, secure garbage and compost, and protect any livestock. They are also advised to give the animals space.
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