Black Bear in Mount Kisco

The Mount Kisco Police Department sent this warning out on Nixle:

Residents are advised of a recent sighting of a black bear in proximity to Knowlton Ave located near the Mount Kisco / Bedford Town line. Police and NYS DEC personnel are responding. Residents are urged not to confront any bear. Residents are asked to report all wild bear sightings by phoning 914 241 1100 or 911. Resident are urged to visit the New York State Department of Environmental web page to review suggestions as it pertains to interacting with black bears. The web page can be viewed at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/94710.html.

State environmental officials say:

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.
• By teaching a bear to approach humans for food, you are endangering yourself, other campers/residents, and the bears.

Most black bears prefer to avoid humans.
In Your Yard:

• From a safe distance, make loud noises by shouting or banging pots to scare the bear away.
• Once the bear leaves, remove all attractants such as bird seed, garbage, and pet food.
• Ask neighbors to remove attractants.

In a Building:

• Give the bear a clear escape route.
• Leave any doors open as you back away from the bear.
• Do not lock the bear in a room.

If a Bear Becomes Aggressive and:

Approaches you:

• Raise your arms and speak in a loud, calm voice while backing away.

Charges you:

• Stand your ground.
• If you have bear spray, dispense directly at the bear. Please follow the link leaving the DEC's website to learn about the proper use of bear spray.

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).