The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation says there has been an increase in bear sightings across the region.
Recently, bear sightings have popped up on social media in parts of Wayne, Ontario, and Yates counties.
The DEC says there have been 20 bear sightings this year. That’s up from six reported in 2019.
“Likely, it’s only a few that are moving through the area. Because they’re relatively novel to that area, they cause a lot of stir in people. So, that’s likely the cause for the higher amount,” said Jeremy Hurst of the DEC to 13WHAM.
The DEC says the increased number of sightings shouldn’t be cause for concern.

One of the bears spotted in Ontario County this spring.
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