SCARBOROUGH, Maine — Editor's note: The video attached to this story was published March 18.
A black bear in the area of Pine Point in Scarborough is being monitored by emergency officials.
The bear is "hunkered down" in the beachside town, but police and wildlife officials are urging people to stay clear of the animal and leave it alone.
Scarborough police said in a news release they received multiple calls about bear sightings and reached out to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for guidance in how to best handle the situation.
Police and the Maine Warden Service said they planned to keep an eye on the bear and "leave it alone" until or unless it leaves the area on its own.
Deputy Chief John Brennan of the Scarborough Fire Department said it was important to prevent onlookers or crowds from gathering in the area out of concern the bear could become startled or feel threatened. Brennan also said the goal was to allow the bear to relocate to a safer location on its own. However, if that does not happen and the bear poses a threat to the public, Brennan said other methods to safely relocate the bear would be used under the direction of Maine wildlife officials.
Scarborough police shared an update around 3:30 p.m. noting that the bear decided to leave its hiding place and was "roaming around," urging people and their pets in the area to remain inside until the bear was captured.
"The Maine Warden Service is currently in the area ... attempting to safely capture and re-locate the bear," the department said in a post on social media. "We ask the public's assistance in avoiding the area and allowing the warden service to do their work."
According to the Maine Fish and Wildlife Service website, Maine is home to the largest population of black bears in the eastern U.S. They're typically most active between April 1 and Nov. 1.
"When natural foods are scarce, especially in the spring or dry summers, bears will venture into backyards and fields in search of easily accessible food such as bird feeders, garbage, grills, and pet foods," the website states.
Unlike grizzly bears, black bears are much smaller and more docile if they don't feel threatened. However, there are important safety tips to keep in mind to ensure best possible outcomes for wild bears if you or your pet cross paths.
"Keeping your distance and not surprising bears are the most important things you can do," the police department said in a post on Facebook. "Most bears will avoid humans if they hear them coming. Pay attention to your surroundings and make a special effort to be noticeable if you are in an area with known bear activity."