On Wednesday, a wayward black bear gave several White Plains neighborhoods a jolt, roaming through local streets before scrambling up a tree, where it was eventually tranquilized so wildlife crews could remove it safely. Patrol officers and members of the department's Emergency Services Unit responded to multiple reports until state wildlife personnel arrived and took control of the scene, and officials said the animal will be transported and released in a more rural part of upstate New York.
According to White Plains Public Safety, officers secured the area, kept residents at a distance and waited for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to reach the site. The department also shared an image of the bear, credited to White Plains Public Safety, alongside early alerts that went out to the community.
DEC Tranquilized The Animal
The DEC team sedated and secured the bear so it could be transported without injury, according to Daily Voice. Officials told reporters the animal will be relocated to a more suitable habitat away from densely populated neighborhoods.
Not The First Sighting This Month
This capture follows earlier reports in late June, when a black bear was spotted near Gedney Park Drive and officials reminded residents to keep a safe distance. As Patch notes, the NYSDEC recommends removing bird feeders, securing trash and storing grills and compost to avoid attracting bears into yards.
How To Stay Safe
Officials say that if you see a bear, you should stay indoors, keep children and pets inside and call 911 if the animal presents an immediate danger. For non-emergencies involving property damage, the DEC regional wildlife office can be contacted during business hours, and local outlets provide contact details and background on how crews handle roaming bears; see News 12 and the Times Union for additional guidance and context.
