SOUTHBOROUGH — A black bear has been sighted on the south side of Southborough, prompting local authorities to issue safety recommendations for residents, especially those living near Oak Hill Road and the Hopkinton/Ashland border.
The Southborough Police Department reported that their Animal Control Officer is closely monitoring the situation after receiving multiple reports of the bear’s presence in various locations.
In response to the sightings, officials have reiterated guidelines to ensure public safety and minimize potential bear encounters.
Residents are advised to exercise caution when letting small pets outside and to supervise them closely.
The police department also strongly recommends that all bird feeding systems be removed for the next few weeks to avoid attracting the bear to residential areas.
Additionally, authorities stress the importance of securing trash receptacles to prevent bears from foraging for food near homes.
The Southborough Police Department is asking community members to report any bear sightings directly to Animal Control Officer Jennifer Condon at (508) 485-7817 or to the Environmental Police at (508) 366-6537.
