SWANSEA, MA — A black bear was spotted roaming through Swansea Monday evening, according to the Swansea Police Department, which warned residents to be cautious. Police said the animal was moving around town, but they did not say exactly where it was last seen or whether it has since left the area.

At a glance

• Animal: Black bear
• Where: Swansea, Massachusetts
• When: Monday evening
• What happened: Police said the bear was spotted roaming around town
• Status: Swansea police warned residents to stay alert; no further details were released
• Anyone hurt: No injuries were reported

What happened

The Swansea Police Department said the bear was seen wandering throughout town Monday evening. The brief warning did not include information about how long the animal had been in the area or whether officers or wildlife officials had tried to move it.

Police used the public alert to let residents know a wild animal had been observed in the community. They did not report any property damage, aggressive behavior, or encounters between the bear and people.

Black bears can travel through neighborhoods in search of food, especially when natural food sources are limited. When that happens, wildlife officials often remind residents to secure trash, bird feeders, and pet food.

At this point, Swansea police have not announced any injury or dangerous confrontation tied to the sighting. The warning appears to have been issued as a precaution for people living in the area.

About the animal

The American black bear is the only bear species native to most of the eastern United States. Adults can vary widely in size, but they are generally smaller than grizzly bears and usually have short, rounded ears and a straight facial profile.

Despite the name, black bears are not always black. Their coats can range from black to brown, cinnamon, or even blond in some regions. They are omnivores that eat berries, nuts, insects, fish, carrion, and food scraps when available.

Black bears are found across much of the Northeast, Appalachia, the Great Lakes region, and parts of the South and West. They usually avoid people, but any bear that becomes used to human food or loses fear of people can become a safety concern for neighborhoods and pets.

If you encounter one

If you see a black bear, stay calm and back away slowly. Give the animal a clear path to leave, and do not run, climb a tree, or try to approach it for photos. Sudden movements can startle the bear.

Keep children close, bring pets indoors, and never feed a bear. Secure garbage, remove outdoor food sources, and store pet food or grills where a bear cannot reach them. A bear that finds easy food may return.

If the bear is lingering, behaving aggressively, or blocking an area, call local police or the state wildlife agency. In Massachusetts, residents can also contact the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife for guidance when a bear is in a neighborhood.

What happens next

Police did not say whether wildlife officials were called to Swansea or whether the bear was tracked after the sighting. Residents were left with a general warning to remain cautious until the animal is no longer seen in town.

If the bear keeps moving through the area, local officials may issue additional alerts or advise people on how to reduce the chance of another visit.

Spotted a dangerous animal where you live? Report it to your state wildlife agency or local animal control.