Police Caution Residents To Avoid Black Bears

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This bear wandered back into woods but hadn't left the immediate neighborhood around Brayton School by Friday evening.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Black bears have been coming closer to homes around the region this spring. The most recent siting has been near Brayton Elementary School over past few days. 

Neighbors in the area reported seeing the bear in the brook behind the school and he (most likely) was spotted on Friday in a tree near the Northern Berkshire YMCA.

Police are urging people to stay calm if they see a bear and to back away from it slowly.  Black bears are not particularly hostile but can be dangerous if frightened, or over food or cubs.

Bears are attracted by food, so police say:

• Never feed bears and make sure no food, dirty grills, bird feeders (bring them in at night) or accessible trash containers are around to attract them, especially at night. Garbage containers should be frequently washed with a disinfectant solution to remove odors.

• For those with fruit or nut trees, removing fallen fruit or nuts will minimize bear activity in your yard.

The department has more information on its Facebook page.


Tags: bears,   wild animals,   

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St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School  in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.
 
"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."
 
Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.
 
"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."
 
Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.
 
"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."
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