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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Performance Team Revived at Christmas Brook Figure Skating Club

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff

The Blitz regularly performs at women's college hockey games at MCLA And Williams College.
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Last year, the Christmas Brook Figure Skating Club's Blitz spent the winter sharpening its skills and supporting women's hockey in North County.
 
This year, they've decided to help some men, as well.
 
The Blitz, an 11-member company of skaters aged 7 through 16, have been invited to perform during intermission of a Springfield Thunderbirds minor league men's hockey game at the Mass Mutual Center.
 
The Dec. 30 performance will come during a season that again will include shows at women's college hockey games at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams and Williams College.
 
The club's production team was a staple of the Bay State Figure Skating Show at the annual Bay State Games and the local club's own year-end show but took a hiatus after the COVID-19 pandemic, Michela Juras said.
 
"Coach Nikki [Benson] and I brought it back with a twist: hockey games," Juras said.
 
"I skated on a team when I was younger, and we practiced weekly. I just wanted to provide more opportunities to build their confidence. It helps build leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, you name it."
 
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