Bear remains on the prowl

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A bear like the one pictured here continues to ply Granville's garbage cans for an easy meal, prompting officials to advise residents to secure thier garbage.

The black bear spotted raiding garbage cans in December continues to return to the village in search of food, officials said this week.

The bear was spotted off of Grandview Drive near the Fireman’s Carnival Field Dec. 29 where it ate from garbage cans before also knocking down a bird feeder.

The bear was also seen in the area of the Middle Granville Airport. Law enforcement responded to reports the bear was struck by a vehicle but was able to leave the area. 

The bear was also reported back in the area of Berkowitz Drive raiding a dumpster there two nights later on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31.

The same night the bear was also spotted in the area of North Maple Street.

Police continue to respond to reports of sightings and have repeatedly driven the bear out of the village.

Granville Police Sgt. David Williams said police continue to pursue the bear in an effort to make coming into the village unpleasant in hopes it will stay away.

Williams said the bear has not been spotted since New Year’s Eve, but it had previously stayed away from the village for a few days after being chased off the last time.

Because bears are omnivorous, and will eat nearly anything and Department of Environment Conservation officials have said bears are drawn to the easy calories from bird seed in bird feeders.

Officials recommend taking bird feeders down to discourage bears from coming into the area as well as taking steps to secure garbage receptacles.

DEC Region Five Spokesman Dave Winchell said the unseasonably mild weather; combined with a readily available food supply are likely keeping the bear from going into its den.

Winchell said a lack of natural food sources as items in the wild freeze up in a typical year combined with cold weather and snow drive bears into dens to conserve stored calories.