Large Bear Scares a Maine Residential Neighborhood

Apparently, before a bear can do what it is supposed to do in the woods, it must first find something to eat. At least that is what the community of Ellsworth, Maine discovered earlier this morning when a bear was spotted roaming a residential neighborhood looking for food.

According to the Ellsworth Police Department, just before sunrise they received a number of reports of a “large bear” parading around a downtown area. That’s when dispatchers contacted the Maine Warden Service who indicated that there was no reason for concern, as wild animals typically vacate populated areas before first light.

Doug Rafferty, a spokesperson with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife said that it is not uncommon to see bears journey into human civilization looking for food.

“It’s more normal than you might think,” he said. “It all goes back to basic instincts with bears. They will follow their nose when they’re looking for food. If the wind is blowing in the right direction and they get a whiff from a mile away, they’re going for it.”

Last year, the Maine Warden Service reported nearly 870 bear complaints, which is almost double the 436 they received in 2011. Wildlife officials say that Mainers are encouraged to keep trash inside and thoroughly clean their grills if they wish to keep bears away.