Overview
- A homeowner on West Street photographed a bear on his roof Monday morning and called police, but animal control officer Mark Cianci arrived after the animal had left.
- Officials and photos identified the animal as a young black bear about 1 to 2 years old and roughly 100 pounds.
- State biologist Dave Wattles and local officers said the bear appeared skittish and fled when it saw the person, which they called appropriate nonaggressive behavior.
- Officers said the bear likely climbed to the roof from a tree that slightly overhangs the house and the homeowner plans to trim that tree to prevent a repeat.
- The neighborhood borders large conservation parcels where bears and other wildlife roam, so officials advise securing attractants and reducing easy roof access to lower the chance of future encounters.