Hikers make a ‘bear-y’ unusual discovery in Paskamansett Woods

A black bear and a cub were spotted at the Paskamansett Woods at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11. 

While black bear sightings do happen in Dartmouth, they are usually young male bears exploring, according to Nick Wildman, the executive director for the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust.

“This sighting is interesting because it was a cub. It's the first time I’ve heard of a bear cub being seen in Dartmouth or certainly on DNRT land,” said Wildman.

The bears were spotted by a hiker who called the Trust and were spotted again later in the morning by a group of hikers with dogs, whose barking scared the bears off. 

Wildman said that in the best case, the bears want nothing to do with humans. Trouble with bears typically occurs when they become used to humans, are fed by or rooting in trash. 

While it is uncommon for a black bear to become aggressive and attack, a mother bear will attack to protect her cub.

The Trust recommends that if people encounter the bear to talk loudly and back away slowly. They also ask to keep dogs leashed and do not allow dogs to chase or interact with the bear.

Wildman said the trust will not be following up on this sighting, but do request that people alert them to any further sightings. The Trust can be reached by calling 508-991-2289.