(HOCKESSIN, Del.)- New Castle County Police have received two reports of black bear sightings in northern New Castle County. The first report was received Tuesday at approximately 11:00 p.m. in the 100 block of Dewberry Dr in the Ramsey Ridge community.
The caller observed a black bear in his back yard helping itself to the caller's trash as well as the birdfeeder and birdbath before leaving in the direction of Blueberry Ct. New Castle County Police responded to the area and checked for the bear, but were unable to locate it.
The second reported sighting occurred on Wednesday (5/18) at approximately 6:45 a.m. in the unit block of Woodward Dr in the Wood Creek community.
During this report, the caller advised that he observed a black bear on the side of his residence. The bear then ran to the area of Wood Creek Park. Again, New Castle County Police responded to the area and checked for the bear, but were unable to locate it.
New Castle County Police would like to provide the following tips, should you encounter a bear:
? Remain calm if you encounter a bear. Do not run from it.
? Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises.
? Make sure the bear has an escape route.
? Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. Never run from a bear. Instead, slowly back away.
? To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans or using an airhorn. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.
? The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws and swat the ground. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact and do not run.
? If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. It is usually not a threatening behavior.
? Black bears will sometimes "bluff charge" when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, then slowly back away and do not run.
? If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area.
? Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back!
If you spot a bear, please call the Fish and Wildlife Natural Resources Police at (800) 523-3336. If you are, or observe someone else in, immediate danger, call 911.