Bear!

Gossips just received this photograph of a bear strolling around Hudson. The picture was taken from Columbia Memorial Hospital and shows the bear heading toward Columbia Street.

Photo: Steve Moschini, CMH

The photograph accompanied this press release from the Hudson Police Department.

HPD is investigating three separate bear sightings that have occurred within the city this morning. The bear, reported to be a cub or small adult, was first sighted at Fairview Avenue and Green Street at 8:07 a.m., then behind 145 Green Street a half hour later, and most recently in front of 876 Columbia Street at 8:47 a.m.

The state DEC recommends reducing food sources outside by cleaning barbecue grills after use and removing bird feeders. They also suggest you leave garbage cans inside a secure area and wait to put them out until the morning of pickup.

Some more tips from the DEC:

Never Approach, Surround, or Corner a Bear  Bears aggressively defend themselves when they feel threatened. Be especially cautious around cubs as mother bears are very protective.

Never Run from a Bear  Stay calm, speak in a loud and calm voice, slowly back away and leave the area.

Use Noise to Scare Away Bears  From a safe distance, make loud noises by shouting or banging pots to scare the bear away.

Once the bear leaves, remove all attractants such as bird seed, garbage, and pet food.

If a bear is spotted, please call the Hudson Police Department at (518) 828-3388.

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