June 19, 2023 By Carol Britton Meyer
A black bear that appears to be making its way across southeastern Massachusetts — including the South Shore — was spotted at various locations in Cohasset during the last day and a half (Sunday and Monday) before swimming across Straits Pond around 4 p.m. on Monday and entering into the Town of Hull, according to Cohasset & Norwell Natural Resources Officer Joshua Kimball.
An earlier Cohasset Police Department Facebook post explained that there was no need to report sightings to the CPD unless there was a hazardous situation for those spotting the bear or for the bear.
Police Chief William Quigley told the Cohasset Anchor that the bear was seen roaming over the front lawn of a house on Sanctuary Pond Road, walking by a CPD police cruiser on North Main Street by Cedar Street, and was also spotted walking along the Cohasset commuter rail station tracks — witnessed by Kimball, who is keeping a close eye on the bear’s whereabouts.
“There was never any danger to the public. Just a sight to see!” Kimball told the Cohasset Anchor. While we were escorting it through Cedar Street, the bear began to enter a garage where the resident was sitting inside of their car. Thankfully, I was able to scare it away before it made complete entry into the garage.”
The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game will only take steps to relocate the bear if it is in danger, the CPD post explained. So far, this has not been the case, according to local police departments in communities where the bear has been sighted and various Facebook groups.
Nevertheless, Quigley said the CPD “is hoping that state wildlife officials will step up and relocate this poor guy, because inevitably we are concerned that he will get hit by a car or harmed by a human in some way.”
Anyone who sees a bear is cautioned to not approach it, attempt to scare it, or leave food out for it.
On Monday afternoon at about 3:40 p.m. — shortly before the bear entered Hull — Hingham Animal Control Officer Leslie Badger told the Hingham Anchor that the bear was “closely hanging out on the Cohasset/Hingham town line as we speak. It has been very docile and keeping to itself and has not tried to go near any humans or animals that I am aware of.”
At that time, Badger noted, it could be heading for Hingham, “but it’s up to the bear, so it could go down to Hull or back toward Cohasset.” The bear ultimately chose Hull!
Badger said it appears to be the same bear that was seen in the Pembroke area not too long ago. It has not been determined yet as to whether the bear is male or female. What appeared to be the same bear was also seen in Hanover climbing over a guardrail.
“We think there is a second bear currently in Norwell, judging from police radio traffic,” Quigley said.
According to the Department of Fish and Game, black bears continue to expand their range in Massachusetts.
The following tips are provided by the Department to make property less attractive to bears:
- Remove bird feeders; secure trash; feed pets indoors; clean greasy barbecue grills after each use; don’t leave food scraps, grease containers, or spilled grease in the yard; protect bees and chickens.
- If a bear is feeding in an area where it doesn’t belong — such as a yard, on a porch, or in a dumpster — step outside, yell, and make lots of noise. The bear will usually leave — accompanied by its young. Habituated bears may ignore minor harassment. If you continue to see bears, check your property and remove any potential food sources.
- Black bears are usually wary of people in the woods. Normal trail noise will alert bears to your presence and they will often disappear before you see them. If you see a bear, it may not immediately recognize you as a human and may be curious until it scents you. Make the animal aware of your presence by clapping, talking, or making other sounds while slowly backing away. Do not approach bears or intrude between a female bear and her cubs. Keep dogs leashed and stay a respectful distance away.
- When a bear is in the area, protect pets by not leaving them outside alone, and use a leash when walking them.
For more information about black bears, go to https://www.mass.gov/service-details/learn-about-black-bears.
If a bear becomes aggressive or is in danger, call 911 or the CPD at (781) 383-1212 or the Hingham Police Department at (781) 749-1212.
The bear is headed north . that will take him to Hull Gut which is due north. Not good if the bear attempts to swim across the Gut, he most likely would drown. Please step in and help this poor animal.