DEC: Bears euthanized in Old Forge repeatedly demonstrated behavior that was a danger to public safety

OLD FORGE- A group of bears recently euthanized in the Western Adirondacks were displaying repeated behavior that posed a threat to general public safety, according to authorities.

For the past several weeks, this group of bears, a sow and three juveniles, drew up a lot of attention after several documented incidents, where they were witnessed accessing unsecured dumpsters throughout Old Forge, NY.

The DEC has long educated the public on bear behavior, including how they’re easily attracted to the odor of food or access to food – such as garbage, bird feeders, pet food, gardens and grills.

However, during the early morning of Friday, July 15, the groups of bears roamed their way into the Enchanted Forest Water Safari park, where the DEC says they spent the majority of that day in a tree.

They eventually came down and wandered over to a seasonal residence nearby. However, the DEC clarified that there was still no sign of fear or hesitation displayed by these bears to any human presence as they continued searching for food.

This, according to officials, prompted reaction by local officers to euthanize them.

The DEC has a Black Bear Response Manual, which classifies bear behavior into four categories – with Class 1 posing the greatest threat to humans and public safety.

The code book calls for any class 1 bear in New York State to be euthanized. Local authorities deemed these bears as a class 1 threat, the DEC confirmed.

Once accustomed to being near homes, officials say some bears are attracted into the homes by the same odors. Once a bear enters a home and obtains something to eat, it is more likely to enter a home a second time, creating a significantly greater risk of negative bear human interaction, the DEC said.

DEC reminds campers and residents to reduce bear/human conflicts by removing food sources that attract bears.

To learn more about how to reduce conflicts with bears, visit the DEC’s website.

Image courtesy via the New York State DEC.