Police Caution Residents on Bear Sightings

Salem Deputy Police Chief Shawn Patten said bear sightings have been on the rise in North Salem in recent days and asked residents Wednesday to take precautions.

Patten said residents have been reporting the sightings in recent days and noted they have been happening specifically in the Coventry Road neighborhood.

As a result, Salem's animal control officer has handed out informational pamphlets to area residents and at North Salem Elementary School.

Patten said N.H. Fish and Game and the USDA Wildlife Services have been notified of the issue.

"(They) have advised this is a busy time for bears," Patten said. "They have also advised that typically these bears are not aggressive by nature, and recommended residents use air horns to scare the animals away if seen."

Patten also said residents should be advised to "make sure all trash should be secured and bird feeders put away asthey are foods sources and will attract the bears."

The pamphlet about black bears made available to residents can be accessed to the right or by clicking here.