Bears reported getting into trash in Star City
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Sightings of bears with cubs rummaging through garbage have been reported from Main Street to Skyway Street, raising concern for law enforcement as they try to deter such animal activity in residential areas of the community.
On June 21 at about 5:03 a.m., the Presque Isle Police Department received a call from a motorist indicating he was on his way to work and as he passed Bonanza restaurant on Main Street, he observed a “200-pound bear attempting to get into the dumpster.” The caller indicated the bear had tags in both ears.
Cpl. Wayne Selfridge, PIPD, responded to investigate. Upon arrival, he found the dumpster locked. He determined the mother bear had climbed atop the garbage bin and smashed the lid in. According to Selfridge, the bear ran off into a wooded area, while her two cubs went up a tree. He noted the mother bear did, in fact, have tags in both ears.
The Maine State Police barracks was notified to let game wardens know about the incident, since this bear has been a problem before. Police are concerned that it is hanging out within town limits with cubs.
On June 23 around 9:30 p.m., a resident on Skyway Street called complaining he had a “very brazen bear with two cubs” that keeps coming into his yard. He indicated the bear had two tags as well. He advised police that “the bear doesn’t appear to be the least bit concerned if people are around or not.”
Officer Joey Seeley responded and determined it was the same bear with three cubs that has been in the area. Seeley noted the resident had garbage cans out that attracted the bear. The man was advised to take the cans inside to deter future bear incidents. The Maine Warden Service was notified.
