Town of New Hartford NEW YORK

TOWN of NEW HARTFORD

ONEIDA COUNTY

NEW HARTFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT

32 KELLOGG ROAD, NEW HARTFORD, NEW YORK 13413-2850

 Telephone: 1-315-733-6666

Fax: 1-315-724-8618

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06-14-07

Bear Back in New Hartford – Spotted off Oxford Road Near Library

The New Hartford Police Department reported two confirmed bear sightings in as many days with the most recent being Thursday morning on a residential deck in the Town.

Although they are not a common occurrence, documented bear activity within the town limits is not unheard of. Steve Heerkens, Regional Black Bear Biologist with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation stated “the New Hartford/Utica/Frankfort valley is a common corridor that has had many documented cases over the years of regular bear activity”.

According to Heerkens, the DEC is very interested in tracking bear activity but trapping and or tranquilizing and relocating bears in populated areas is not the first course of action. Due to their nocturnal nature and relatively fast movement, bears do not generally stay in the same location. Their #1 recommendation is for residents to take down their bird feeders. Birdseed is one of the primary attractors luring bears into residential communities.

The New Hartford Police Department would like to remind residents to take the necessary precautions to avoid problems with wildlife. Besides bears, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, etc., are additional species that are indigenous to this region. According to Heerkens “trapping and relocating wildlife is futile. You remove one animal and two more are ready to take their place.” The DEC advises to keep pet food indoors, do not leave pets out at night (especially cats), do not place trash out too early for pick-up and keep barbeque grills clean. In the event you encounter a bear, do not approach it. Stay indoors and notify authorities. If you would like more information on bears, contact the Department of Environmental Conservation at 793-2556.

Questions regarding this Press Release can be directed to Lt. Timothy P. O’Neill 733-6666

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