Overview

• On Oct. 2 in Townsend’s Bridle Path, a black bear killed a two-year-old goat and then targeted a nearby chicken coop, police said.
• Massachusetts Environmental Police responded but did not locate the animal, and officials reported no immediate public-safety threat.
• Authorities urged residents to leave bears alone, leash pets, secure trash and pet food, and use electric fencing to protect livestock.
• The state estimates more than 4,500 black bears in Massachusetts, with the population expanding east into Worcester and northern Middlesex counties.
• Residents reported recent losses and sightings, including a sheep killed last week and a 400-pound bear in August, and MassWildlife said the animal may be a female that could have cubs this winter.