North Grafton homeowners are being urged to lock things down after a recent run of black bear sightings in the neighborhood. Police say the bears have been showing up around yards and bird feeders as spring rolls in, raising concerns about food-conditioning. The town advisory tells residents to secure anything that might attract wildlife and to use extra caution outside.
The Grafton Police Department shared the warning on Facebook on May 11, noting that "we've recently experienced an uptick of black bear sighting reports in North Grafton" and urging residents to get rid of backyard food sources that tempt bears. The post also reminds people to secure trash and check state guidance for more detailed advice, according to Grafton Police Department - Massachusetts.
What State Guidance Recommends
State wildlife guidance says the best way to keep bears wild is to remove easy meals. That means taking down bird feeders, locking up trash and compost, and using electric fencing to protect chickens instead of relying on a basic coop. Officials also say to never intentionally feed bears, keep dogs on a leash, and reach out to the appropriate agencies for sightings and advice, according to Mass.gov.
Why Bears Are Turning Up Near Homes
Biologists report that Massachusetts' black bear population and range have expanded in recent years, which pushes more bears into contact with suburbs and towns and raises the odds of neighborhood encounters. Central Massachusetts communities have logged more reports this spring, and the City of Waltham issued its own advisory after several neighborhood sightings, according to the City of Waltham. Observers link that broader pattern to range expansion and easy human food sources, as reported by Phys.org.
Practical Steps for Grafton Residents
Local and state officials are offering some very specific to-do items for Grafton residents. First on the list: take bird feeders down right away. Guidance notes there is no time of year or time of day when it is truly safe to leave them out. Trash and compost should be stored in closed containers, with bins set out the morning of pickup instead of the night before.
They also advise keeping dogs leashed and never allowing pets to chase or interact with bears. For poultry, officials suggest using electric fencing, since a standard coop will not stop a determined bear. Police warn that feeding or habituating bears can cause them to lose their natural fear of people, according to Grafton Police Department - Massachusetts. In some cases, bears that become too comfortable around humans end up being euthanized, Mass.gov notes.
If You Encounter a Bear
Officials say that if you spot a bear in your yard, the key is to stay calm. Talk in a calm voice and slowly back away. Do not run. If a black bear does make physical contact, authorities advise fighting back.
For any immediate threat, residents should call 911 or the Massachusetts Environmental Police at 1-800-632-8075. For non-emergency sightings and technical questions, people can contact MassWildlife at 508-389-6300.
Town officials emphasize that most bears move on quickly if they do not find food, and that a few basic prevention steps can keep both people and bears safer. Grafton Police say they will keep monitoring reports and will post any new updates on their social channels.
