Black Bear Spotted at Destruction Brook Woods in Dartmouth

It's been a busy year for bears on the SouthCoast and it appears they haven't gone into hibernation yet.

A large black bear was spotted in Dartmouth Tuesday, Dec. 19,  in the area of Destruction Brook Woods. Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust took to Facebook to warn residents to keep pets on leashes or indoors and to be aware of surroundings.

Although bears can be skittish in the presence of humans, they can also become extremely dangerous and predatory.

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Destruction Brook Woods is a well-traveled walking trail not far from Russells Mills Village.

DNRT also shared a helpful article by Leah McFarland on coexisting with bears:

Black bears are naturally secretive and shy. It is when they have easy access to food at your home is when they become nuisances. Contrary to popular belief, black bears are more vegetarian than carnivore. In the spring and early summer, they are out foraging in wetlands for grasses, sedges, tubers, fruits, and berries. As the summer heats up, bears embrace their carnivorous side and hunt for ants and other insects. In the fall the nut crops are ready for the black bears to devour them. In particular, they like acorns, hickory nuts, and beechnuts best.

McFarland told Fun 107 people can do their part by securing food and removing birdfeeders from their properties to discourage bears from snooping around.

A bear (perhaps the same one) was also caught on video in Mattapoisett this week.

It's been a busy year for bears on the SouthCoast. The first big sightings came in the spring, leading to the creation of our SouthCoast Bear Tracker.