Holy Blossvale bear! This big guy was spotted roaming along the side of the road near Rome, New York.

The bears have come out of hibernation and they're looking for food. And it seems they are traveling further from their homes as more forest land gets taken over by homes and businesses.

People have been spotting bears in places they've never been before.

Blossvale Bear

Helen Waterman spotted a bear on Hogsback Road in Blossvale on Sunday, May 19. "It almost came right up to my car."

It was a big guy too. Helen said it had to be at least 200+lbs, but it seemed pretty chill. "Had to resist getting out to pet it," she joked.

The video Helen shared of the close encounter has already been viewed over 11 thousand times.

READ MORE: Heroic Dog Saves Family From Bear Attack In New York

Lee Center Bear

Lisa Davis has lived on Thomas Road in Lee Center for 30 years. In all that time, she's never seen a bear on her property. That is until recently.

"When my security camera went off as I was getting ready to let my little dog out."

Thankfully Lisa checked her camera BEFORE letting the dog out. That's when she saw a black bear strolling across her driveway.

READ MORE: Close Encounters of the Bear Kind in Upstate New York

Where Are the Bears

Where are the bears in New York state?

50-60% inhabit the Adirondack region
30-35% inhabit the the Catskill region
10-15% inhabit the central-western region.

Bears are now well established in many other areas, including the Tug Hill, Hudson Valley, and across the Southern Tier.

READ MORE: Hiker's Terrifying Run-In With Bear in New York Mountains

GeorgePeters from Getty Images Signature
GeorgePeters from Getty Images Signature
loading...

Tips to Avoid Bears

The DEC has tips on what to do if you happen to run into a bear.

DO:

  • Use noise to scare bears away: Yell, clap, or bang pots.
  • Stay calm: Walk slowly and speak in a loud and calm voice.
  • Leave slowly: Cautiously back away from the bear and leave the area.
  • If a bear charges you: Stand your ground. If you have bear spray, dispense directly at the bear.
  • If a bear makes contact with you: Fight back with anything at hand (knife, stick, rocks, or fists).

READ MORE: Teen Shoots First Bear & It's a Doozy at 485 Pounds

DON'T:

  • Approach, surround, or corner a bear: Bears aggressively defend themselves when they feel threatened. Be especially cautious around cubs as mother bears are very protective.
  • Run from a bear: They may chase.
  • Throw your backpack or food at an approaching bear: This will only encourage bears to approach and "bully" you to get food. By teaching a bear to approach humans for food, you are endangering yourself, other campers/residents, and the bears.

READ MORE: You'll Bare-ly Believe How Close Hunter Gets to Bear in New York

Credit - Kaitlyn Moon
Credit - Kaitlyn Moon
loading...

To Avoid Bears Coming Onto Your Property:

  • Take down bird feeders in April. Bird feed such as suet and seeds are a very strong attraction for bears, even if they can't reach them.
  • Clean your grill. Turn the grill on high for several minutes after you are done cooking to burn residual odors.
  • Lock up your trash. Garbage is extremely attractive to bears. It should always be kept in sealed garbage cans inside a building like a garage or shed. Anything with an odor can attract a bear.
  • Do not feed your pets outside. Leftover food or even an empty dish can attract a bear.
  • Do not have refrigerators or freezers outside or on porches. Bears can smell what is inside.
Big Frog 104 logo
Get our free mobile app

If You're Camping:

  • Throw out all your trash and recyclables.
  • Lock up your coolers and food. Store food in either the trunk of your car or in the cab of your truck. Keep windows shut and food and coolers out of sight.
  • NEVER keep food, coolers, or scented items in your tent.
  • Treat all toiletries as food items. Toiletry products are heavily scented and are as attractive to bears as food.
  • Clean up after all meals immediately. Keep grills, pots, pans, cooking utensils, and wash basins clean when not in use.
  • Do not put grease, garbage, plastic diapers, cans, bottles, or other refuse into the fireplace. These items do not properly burn and will attract bears with their odors.
  • Always remember when exploring the wilderness - you're in their home. Be vigilant and stay safe.

Bear Destroys Vehicle in Search of Food

This is why you don't leave food anywhere bears can smell it. Even in your car.

Gallery Credit: Credit - Polly McAdams

Bears from around the world

Gallery Credit: Randy Bogden, Getty Images

 

More From Big Frog 104