Black Bear Spotted Roaming Round Smithfield

SMITHFIELD, RI — A black bear was spotted roaming around the Smithfield area in recent weeks. The latest sighting was at the Audubon Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge in Smithfield on Thursday.

The Audubon Society of Rhode Island said that there was also a sighting at the Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge in Exeter last week.

The Audubon Society said it is happy that the bear population is increasing in the Northeast in recent years, and that sightings in the state are likely to increase.

"It is important that we become bear-aware so we can live together with these magnificent creatures!" the RI Audubon Society said. "The best way to keep bears (and other wildlife) happy, healthy and in Rhode Island is by deterring them from 'free meals.'"

The Audubon Society said that any resident who spots a bear should report it here.

Those who see a bear are advised not to move closer for a photo, never to get between a bear mother and her cub and not run away — slowly back away, facing the bear, while making noise.

Those in the area are advised to keep their livestock penned up and install electric fencing, if possible, to protect it.

Residents in the area of a bear sighting or bear activity are asked to take down bird feeders — a popular bear attractant — clean grills thoroughly and keep all garbage and pet food inside.