Townsend, United States - August 11, 2025 A security camera in Tom Whittier’s yard captured striking footage of a massive bear walking on two legs while searching for food. The Townsend Police Department issued a warning to residents in the northern Middlesex County community following the sighting. “We want to alert residents in the Mason/Greenville Rd area about a large (approx. 400 lb) black bear that has recently been spotted multiple times in the neighborhood,” police posted. “The most recent sighting was yesterday (Sunday) around 5:30 PM while people were outside grilling.” Police urged residents to take safety measures for at least the next week, including removing bird feeders, securing trash, and closing all doors, including garage doors. According to wildlife officials, Massachusetts is home to at least 4,500 black bears. These animals often bypass natural foods such as acorns and nuts in favor of easier meals from bird feeders, trash, or backyard chicken coops. “Environmental Police advise that if the bear can’t find food for a week, it should move on to another area,” Townsend Police added. “Let’s work together to help encourage the bear to move along to a safer place!” Bird watchers can replace feeders with water features or native plants, shrubs, and trees to attract birds naturally. Those keeping chickens, bees, or livestock are advised to install electric fencing. If encountering a bear, officials warn to give it space, back away slowly, and never approach, run, or come between a mother and her cubs. Black bears inhabit Worcester County, northern Middlesex County, and areas west to the Berkshires, though some young males and breeding females are found in other eastern Massachusetts communities along Route 495.