A black bear wandering through residential blocks in White Plains sent nearby neighborhoods into a temporary scramble on Wednesday, after the animal was spotted moving through multiple streets before taking refuge up a tree. The situation ended peacefully once state wildlife officers arrived and sedated the bear so it could be safely removed from the area.
Officers Held The Perimeter While Waiting On State Backup
Per White Plains Public Safety, patrol units and the department’s Emergency Services Unit were the first to respond after residents began calling in sightings from different points around the neighborhood. Rather than attempt to move the bear themselves, officers held a safe perimeter, kept bystanders back, and waited for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) to take over the operation. The public safety department also released a photo of the animal up in the tree, which it distributed alongside community alerts as the incident unfolded.
State Wildlife Crew Sedated The Bear For Transport
Once on scene, DEC officials tranquilized the bear so it could be brought down and moved without harming it. Authorities confirmed the animal would not be released back into the same area — instead, it is being relocated to a rural section of upstate New York, away from populated neighborhoods where further encounters could occur.
Second Bear Sighting Reported In The Area This Month
This isn’t the first bear activity reported around White Plains recently. In late June, another black bear was seen near Gedney Park Drive, prompting officials to again remind residents to stay alert and keep their distance from wildlife in residential zones.
To reduce the chances of bears wandering into yards, NYSDEC continues to advise residents to take down bird feeders, keep trash secured, and store grills and compost bins in closed spaces rather than leaving them accessible outdoors.
What Officials Say To Do If You Spot A Bear
Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors if a bear is nearby, keep children and pets inside the home, and call 911 immediately if the animal appears to pose a direct threat. For situations involving property damage but no immediate danger, residents can reach out to the DEC’s regional wildlife office during normal business hours for further guidance.