A hungry black bear took a casual stroll through a quiet Auburn neighborhood on Saturday, prompting police to issue a springtime warning about backyard buffets that are a little too inviting for wildlife.
The bear was spotted on Marilyn Drive, according to the Auburn Police Department, which urged residents to lock down anything that smells remotely like food. That means securing trash, bringing pet food indoors and taking down bird feeders so the bear does not get the idea that this cul-de-sac is its new favorite diner. Officers cautioned that once a bear learns an area offers easy meals, it is likely to return, which can lead to property damage or the animal ultimately being removed.
Police spell out bear-smart basics
In a Facebook post, the Auburn Police Department laid out a checklist for residents who want to avoid a repeat visit. Officers advised people to pick ripe fruit promptly, clean grills after use and remove anything scented from porches or yards, including coolers and campsite leftovers.
The post repeated the golden rule: never feed a bear, on purpose or by accident, and keep both pets and their food indoors so the animals do not become food-conditioned. Police also noted that a bear’s sense of smell can be up to seven times stronger than a dog’s and urged residents to stay alert as the weather warms up.
Simple steps to bear-proof your yard
Wildlife safety groups echo that guidance and say the small habits add up. They recommend storing garbage inside a garage or using bear-resistant cans, taking down bird feeders in spring and summer and scrubbing grills so leftover grease does not act like a dinner bell.
Organizations provide detailed how-to guides on deterrents such as bear-resistant containers and electric fencing for backyard chicken coops and similar attractions. For homeowner checklists and planning tools, residents can visit BearWise and the Be Bear Aware campaign.
Why bear sightings spike in spring
This is not just an Auburn problem. Reports this spring have shown more black bears drifting into eastern Massachusetts neighborhoods, with security cameras and doorbell videos catching their late-night snack runs.
As reported by the Waltham Times, a MassWildlife biologist explained that bears quickly learn to follow easy food sources into yards, especially when they are hungry and rebuilding calories after leaving their winter dens. That pattern has led towns and police departments across the region to push out reminders about removing attractants and securing property before wildlife gets too comfortable.
What to do if you spot a bear
Local officials say that if you see a bear, the first step is to stay calm. Do not run. Instead, make noise, speak firmly and back away slowly while giving the animal plenty of room to leave.
For immediate threats, residents are advised to call 911 or the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075. For non-emergency sightings or questions, people can contact MassWildlife at 508-389-6300, according to guidance from the City of Waltham. Officials say that reporting sightings helps wildlife managers track problem animals and reduces the chance a food-conditioned bear will eventually need to be relocated or euthanized.
Auburn police say they will keep an eye on the situation and share any updates on their social channels. In the meantime, small moves like pulling in pet bowls and scrubbing the grill could be the difference between a one-time visitor and a regular at the neighborhood buffet.
