Massive Bear Strolls Through Central New York Neighborhood

Imagine waking up to a bear in your driveway. A big one too. It happened in one Central New York neighborhood where bears aren't usually known to go.

Bears have been seen in several places new places this year. One was spotted wandering around the Camden area for the last few weeks. Another was spotted in Blossvale and a third in Lee.

Whitesboro Bear

The latest bear sighting was in Sunset Manor in Whitesboro.

Adam Oakley received a notification from his security video when he woke up around 6AM on Wednesday, June 26. "When I watched it I was amazed. He was definitely a big boy."

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.

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).

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.

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.

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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.