Small black bear spotted in Knowlesville this afternoon
KNOWLESVILLE – Shane Rath was at work for the State Canal Corporation this afternoon when a small black bear scooted by the lift bridge and crossed Knowlesville Road just before 5 p.m.
(UPDATED 7:58 p.m.: People on the Memories of Medina Facebook page say there is a mother bear and three cubs on the move in Knowlesville.)
The state Department of Environmental Conservation has these recommendations about black bears:
If you encounter a bear:
• Never approach, surround, or corner a bear – Bears aggressively defend themselves when they feel threatened. Be especially cautious around cubs as mother bears are very protective.
• Never run from a bear – stay calm, speak in a loud and calm voice, slowly back away and leave the area.
• Use noise to scare away bears from your campsite – yell, clap, or bang pots immediately upon sighting a bear near your campsite.
• Do not throw your backpack or food bag at an approaching bear – Doing so will only encourage bears to approach and “bully” people to get food.
If a bear becomes aggressive and approaches you:
• Raise your arms and speak in a loud, calm voice while backing away.
If a bear becomes aggressive and charges you:
• Stand your ground.
• If you have bear spray, dispense directly at the bear.
If a bear becomes aggressive and follows you:
• Stay together.
• Do not run, but continue to back away while speaking loudly.
If the bear continues to follow you:
• Stand your ground.
• Intimidate by making yourself look bigger by waving arms, clapping, shouting, banging sticks.
• Prepare to fight or use bear spray.
If the bear makes contact with you:
• Fight back with anything at hand (knife, stick, rocks, fists).