While the have been dealing with bear sightings, several reports have also come next door in Armonk, including today.
North Castle Police Lt. William Fisher said there were about six reports made within the past week, although he did not rule out that reports could have involved the same bear.
According to an online alert issued Wednesday morning, North Castle police announced that the sightings were primarily near Byram Lake and the Byram Ridge section of the hamlet.
One sighting came Wednesday morning, in area of Armonk's Wampus Elementary School and H.C. Crittenden Middle School, Fisher confirmed.
The report came in at around 8:30 a.m. Fisher explained that people did not leave the building. School activities were canceled, according to Fisher. Wampus and Crittenden are near each other, and near Lombardi Park, Fisher explained.
Lombardi Park was closed for the day in response and town activities there have been canceled, North Castle Recreation Superintendent Susan Snyder said.
Jacquelyn Taylor, superintendent for the Byram Hills Central School District, said that recess was held inside for Wampus, Crittenden, and nearby Coman Hill Elementary School. After-school activities were canceled, Taylor said.
"For today we kept everything indoors," she said.
Below is a copy of the North Castle police alert:
Over the past week the North Castle Police Department has received reports of bear sightings. These sightings have been primarily in the Byram Lake and Byram Ridge areas of Armonk. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation states that proper storage of garbage and removal of bird feeders during periods when bears are active are the two most important steps that can be taken to drastically reduce nuisance bear problems.If a resident should see a bear they should report the sighting to the North Castle Police Department. If you see a bear, dont panic. Bears are more likely to be afraid of you than you are of them. Never approach,surround,or attempt to touch a bear. Always leave the bear a clear escape route. If you feel threatened by a bear, back away slowly, but do not run. If the bear will not leave , make loud noises- yell,clap,blow car horns,or drum on nearby objects. If a resident has any additional questions they can contact the North Castle Police Department at 914-273-9500.
