Bear Visits Bedford Police HQ: Video

BEDFORD, NH — A New Hampshire black bear that recently wandered into the Bedford police station certainly left its mark. An officer caught the bear on camera walk around the parking lot, conduct its business then stroll off. Such bear sightings are rare in that part of Bedford. The Constitution Drive police station is right by heavily traveled Route 101.

"With more homes and businesses being built, there has been an increase of wildlife on residents property, especially bears ... like the one," Bedford police said in a statement. "Keep in mind that we are building our homes on theirs so they are trying to co-exist with society. If you see a bear in your yard, try not to panic. Stay indoors, try to enjoy the beauty of nature and maybe even take pictures, but always leave them alone and never feed them."

• Watch video of Bedford police bear encounter below

Police said residents should keep outdoor grills clean of food that could attract bears. Bird feeders and outdoor garbage cans can also attract bears.

Black bears are the only kind of bears in New Hampshire and their population numbers about 5,000 in the state. Last month, an elderly woman in the White Mountains was seriously injured after a bear broke into her home, became spooked and attacked her.

Last year, Nashua police were forced to shoot and kill a bear that appeared downtown. Police said a crowd "irresponsibly" followed the bear around, shooting video with their phones and shouting at it.

Officials said if you encounter a bear, stay away and call 911.

Here are more tips from state officials on dealing with bears:

• "Avoid filling bird feeders: Bears that find a bird feeder will often revisit that site, month after month, year after year. Bird feeders, bird seed, corn and other bird foods can draw bears into closer proximity to people and often result in bears losing their fear of people.
• If you see a bear in your yard: Make noise by banging pots and pans, shouting, or using an air horn to try to scare the bear off. Once the bear has left the area, take a close look at your yard for potential bear food sources such as bird feeders, pet food, dirty barbecue grills, open compost, or trash and remove the food sources immediately.
• If you come face to face with a bear: Remain calm, talk to the bear in a calm voice (try 'hey bear, hey bear') and slowly back away and leave the area. If a bear approaches or follows you, make yourself look bigger by putting your arms above your head. Continue to repeat 'hey bear' in a calm voice and back away and leave the area while monitoring the bear."

Previous:

• NH Woman Fights Off Bear That Broke Into Home
• Nashua Bear Shooting: Bystanders 'Irresponsible'
• NH Bear Naps In Backyard Of City Home

Video warning: animal waste shown.

Photo credit: Marcus Siebert/Shutterstock