Black bear roaming Massachusetts communities looking for food: 'Stay out of the park'

Rick Sobey, Boston Herald on Jul 3, 2026

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BOSTON — How do bears handle this brutal heat and humidity?

Well, at least one black bear appears to be wicked hungry, as a bear south of Boston has been roaming communities looking for food.

Several Avon and Randolph residents have seen the black bear in recent days, with police and animal control urging residents to “remain alert” and “use caution.”

In Avon, DW Field Parkway was closed on Friday after the bear was seen in the area.

“For your safety, please stay out of the park and avoid the area until further notice,” Avon Police posted. “This will allow authorities and wildlife officials to safely handle the situation and do what they need to do.”

The bear earlier this week was photographed snacking from a bird feeder, which residents should take down, according to officials.

The bear has been spotted on the Avon/Randolph line in the area of Route 28/North Main St.

Avon Police also confirmed two additional sightings in the area of DeMarco Park, as well as D.W. Field Park.

“Animal Control is asking residents in the area to use caution,” Holbrook/Avon Animal Control posted. “If seen do not try to approach or follow the bear. Also keep a close watch on pets, secure trash barrels, chicken coops, and remove bird feeders until the bear moves through the area.”

“Residents are encouraged to remain alert, keep a safe distance if a bear is observed, and avoid approaching or attempting to feed wildlife,” Avon Police posted.

Around 4,500 to 5,000 black bears live in Massachusetts, and their range is expanding eastward.

Residents with bird feeders should take them down, according to MassWildlife officials. Bears will often ignore seasonally available natural foods, in favor of an easy meal at a backyard bird feeder.

Beyond bird feeders, residents need to protect backyard chickens, hives, and other small livestock. Every season, there are reports of bears killing chickens.

Coops and chicken wire provide inadequate protection from black bears. People should secure bee hives, chickens, and livestock with properly installed and maintained electric fencing.

People also need to secure other human-associated food sources, including by storing garbage in closed containers in a garage or outbuilding.

Clean grills after each use and do not leave food scraps, grease containers, or spilled grease in your yard.

If you come across a bear in your yard or nature, slowly back up and give the bear space. Do not approach bears or get between a female bear and her cubs. Also, do not run.

If you spot a bear in your yard, wait for the bear to leave — then remove or secure food sources on your property.

Also, supervise your pets outdoors. The presence of a dog could trigger a bear to be aggressive. Check your yard for bears before letting your dog outside. Keep dogs leashed when they’re outside, and never let dogs chase or interact with bears.

If you see the bear, Holbrook/Avon Animal Control urges residents to contact Animal Control at 617-639-7982, the Environmental Police Radio Room at 800-632-8075, or Fish and Wildlife at 508-389-6300.

Only call 911 if an emergency response is needed.