Crime & Safety
Black Bear Spotted In Pearl River
Police: Use caution with children and pets playing outside.
A black bear has been spotted on the prowl in Pearl River, according to Orangetown police.
Police this morning are asking residents of the South Middletown Road area to keep an eye on their children and pets playing outdoors because of the bear in the neighborhood.
The bear was spotted about 9 a.m. near 276 S. Middletown Road. The bear has not threatened anyone.
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Police said that if you see the bear, don't approach it. They asked that anyone who sees the bear call police at 845-359-3700 the let them know where it is located.
Andrew de Soiza says his family had a close encouter with the bear today at his home at 274 S. Middletown Road.
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The family sees a deer in the back yard every now and then, but they were surprised today to see the bear.
De Soiza says he property is adjacent to the huge Blue Hill Plaza complex and he suspects the bear may have lost its way due to the recent storm and floods. DeSoiza said he's seen Orangetown police in the neighborhood looking for the bear, but they've only chased him off temporarily.
The bear has come back twice, de Soiza said, looking into the neighbor's garbage cans.
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