Black bear roaming North Tonawanda and Amherst

A black bear spotted in North Tonawanda has everyone talking, while he kept police busy this morning. 

The bear was last spotted on Daniel Drive late this morning. North Tonawanda Patrol Captain, Karen Smith said as the bear moved through neighborhoods, officers worked to keep everyone including the bear safe, by keeping a perimeter around him. 

It went in someone’s back yard. The officer would either go to the door or call our dispatchers and ask the dispatchers to call the residents and let them know not to go outside,” Captain Smith said. 

Police believe this might be the same bear that was spotted in Amherst on Thursday. 

Ken Baginski with New York State DEC said the bear appears to be a young male. Mother bear probably let him go on his own and he’s looking for a new place to call home. 

“We need to give it space and let it move out of the area,” Baginski said. 

Tonight wildlife experts are reminding folks to keep their distance if they see him. 

Baginski said removing bird feeders, securing garbage and cleaning backyard grills will keep bears away. He said they are naturally afraid of people and tries to avoid us.  They only become aggressive when people come into their space.