Bear climbs porch, eats from bird feeder in South Hadley

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) – A 22News viewer found a bear on their back porch Monday morning in South Hadley!

The small bear can be seen climbing up the side of their porch, standing on the side railing and eating from a bird feeder.

Bear sightings are more common this time of the year as they search for food. Make sure you are properly storing any garbage and placing bird feeders high enough from the ground where bears can’t reach.

Massachusetts is the third most densely-populated state in the country for black bears. There are approximately 4,500 black bears in the state and they are expanding eastward. If you have a bear in your yard, do not approach it or get close to it, especially if it is a cub. Making loud noises can help scare the bear away.

If you can safely take photos of wildlife in your community, email them to Reportit@wwlp.com!