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Bear in Backyard on Clark Street Gardner MA

Bear Spotted in Clark Street, Gardner MA Backyard and all about Bears in Massachusetts

On May 26, ,2022, a bear was spotted on Clark Street in Gardner.   A resident posted the picture to Social Media.  The post has received plenty on interest with dozens of likes, wows, and love expressed by other members.  

For those interested in Bear pictures, there is actually a public Facebook group entitled, “Awesome Bear lovers.”   Members post Bear pictures and even Bear videos.

The rest of our article is about Bears in Massachusetts with Bear tips for Greater Gardner MA residents.

Mama bear and cubs
Mama Bear and Cubs
Black Bear Range in Massachusetts
Black Bear Range in Massachusetts – CLICK IMAGE for larger view
Bears in hammock
Mama bear and cubs

Bears in Massachusetts

According to the State of Massachusetts website Mass.gov, black bears have been increasing in numbers and distribution for the past 50 years, with an estimated current statewide population exceeding over 4,500 animals.  Black bears live and breed in Worcester County, northern Middlesex County, and west to the Berkshires.   Black bears are black overall, typically with a brown muzzle and sometimes with a white chest patch.  Males weigh from 130 to 600 pounds and females are 100 to 400 pounds. Bears eat both vegetation and meat.  They are often attracted to yards by bird feeders and unsecured trash.  

Bear Tips

Mass.gov has some tips for residents:  Remove bird feeders if you live in an area with bears.   Put out  your trash the morning of trash pickup rather than the night before.    Feed your own pets indoors.  Clean barbecues and grills after each use and don’t leave any food scraps around.   If you see a bear in your yard, yell, and make lots of noise and the bear and its young will usually leave.   If you see a bear in the wild, make the animal aware of your presence by clapping, talking, or making other sounds while slowly backing away.   Obviously, don’t approach bears, especially a female bear with her cubs, keep a respectful distance away.

Some other resources in printable pdf format: Prevent Negative Encounters with BearsCoexisting with black bearsLiving with black bears fact sheet

If you need to reach Gardner MA Animal Control, here is the page. CLICK HERE.