Black bear caught peeking through trees in Amherst
AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) – Black bear sightings continue in western Massachusetts, as another was caught on camera on Friday.
Bear sightings in western Mass. increase due to warmer winters
Stephanie Jernigan of Amherst sent 22News this photo of a black bear peering through leaves and trees. This bear, photographed in Amherst, looks almost as if it were posing for the picture, as it is seen looking forward intently.
According to MassWildlife, black bears are known to have good eyesight and hearing, and an exemplary sense of smell, which is used to locate food and recognize potential danger. Black bears typically exit hibernation between early March and mid-April, which is one reason why bear sightings in western Mass. have been steadily increasing throughout the spring.
Black bears mate between mid-June and mid-July. Bear sightings are estimated to peak in the next month. Western Massachusetts residents should continue to keep their distance when encountering black bears in their neighborhoods, keeping food and trash secured so as not to attract them to yards.
If you have photos, videos, or a news tip you'd like to share, email ReportIt@wwlp.com.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Chicopee Mayor Vieau wins trophy at Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic teed off Friday morning from Franconia Golf Course in Springfield. The day kicked off with the mayors of Springfield, West Springfield, Agawam, Westfield and Chicopee all taking part in the coveted Mayor's Cup. Each mayor had three short putts to make. For each one they made, they got to take a second shot at a long putt. Closest ball wins. LIST: Ironman triathlon to cause weekend road closures In the end, Chicopee Mayor John Vieau came out victorious, recapturing the title from told 22News why he looks forward to this event, 'I get to collaborate with the mayors of western Mass. It's an incredible day and also a wonderful event. The Spirit of Springfield's fundraiser. It's a beautiful golf tournament on a beautiful day.' Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt have yet to secure the elusive trophy, but they put up a good fight this year. All five mayors said they hope to be back next year. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ticks becoming more active as weather heats up
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The weather is getting warmer and the bugs are really coming out. Over the years, the tick population has increased dramatically and it's important to protect yourself from them. As the weather gets warmer, more and more of us are spending time outside. Ticks tend to be very active this time of year, and they can carry dangerous and even deadly diseases like Lyme, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Powassan. So it's important to avoid areas where they could be. Mosquito activity: Effective ways to prevent bites 'Keeping your yard mowed, keeping things from becoming overgrown, and just avoiding those areas. If you're hiking, sticking to the middle of the trail. Don't veer off to where the vegetation is tall because that's where the ticks are hiding,' said Natasha Wright of Braman Termite & Pest Elimination. If you're going into a wooded area, you should wear pants and long sleeves and light colors so you can more easily spot any ticks that may be on you. You should also use tweezers to remove it and not squash the tick, because that could help spread disease if the tick has it WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
Union Street in Easthampton nears completion
EASTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) – Construction on Union Street in Easthampton is in its final phase. The contractors are finishing up some final touches and are expected to finish on Friday. But the rain might push off some of the work until things clear up, meaning there may be some lane closures in the coming days. WEATHER ALERT: Strong to severe thunderstorms Friday Soon, residents can finally expect a new and improved Union Street! WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
