25-05-2025
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.
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