Black Bear Sightings Reported In Coventry

COVENTRY, RI — Black bears were spotted in Coventry this week, police said. Multiple residents called in to say they saw a bear in their neighborhood on Friday.

Bear sightings were reported on Shippeetown Road and in East Greenwich near Crompton Road and New London Turnpike, as well as near Waters Edge Campground, police said.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management was notified and is monitoring all sightings. The department reported several additional sightings near Hill Farm Road.

Black bears are usually drawn to residential areas by food sources — most often bird feeders, which provide a high-protein meal. To keep bears out of your backyard, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management encouraged residents to not fill bird feeders and keep other food sources away by securing trash in covered barrels or sheds, cleaning grills to reduce food smells and not leaving pet food outside overnight.

If you encounter a bear in your yard, stay calm so you don't startle it, DEM said. Back away slowly while facing the bear and avoid any sudden movements or noises. Report the sighting to the department by calling 401-222-3070.