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June 3, 2008

Police report early morning bear sightings in Westerly

WESTERLY — A black bear had been spotted around the state in the past few weeks, and it seemed particularly fond of South County. But there hadn't been a sighting since last week.

Until now.

The police received two calls before dawn today about a bear sighting. A Department of Environmental Management officer searched a wooded, swampy area not far from Route 1 but found no sign of a bear, according to spokeswoman Gail Mastrati.

Westerly police dispatcher Donald Cornell said two calls came in on the overnight shift. When he began his day shift, he was told to advise any other callers to stay away from the bear and let the DEM authorities handle it.

The DEM has some tips on how to handle a bear, should you come across one.

-- Journal staff writer Donita Naylor

Posted by Brandie Jefferson  at 3:07 PM | Permalink

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