hadley bear.jpg

A bear was spotted late Monday afternoon wandering around Hadley Place, a dead-end suburban street just south of Hadley Elementary School, according to Hadley police, who posted a photo of the bear on the department's Facebook page.

(HADLEY POLICE DEPARTMENT)

HADLEY — You get home from work, change out of your suit, put on some sneakers, and head outside to walk the dog.

As you're walking down the street, you see a large, black hairy dog up ahead. But this dog's unleashed and on its own, with no human owner in sight.

Wait a minute ... That's not a dog; that's a bear!

Yep, it's that time of the year in Hadley and elsewhere across the Pioneer Valley, where bruins are on the move in search of some good eats.

That was the case shortly before 5 p.m. Monday, when a black bear was spotted in the area of Hadley Place, a dead-end suburban street off River Drive (Route 47) just south of Hadley Elementary School.

Hadley police posted a photo of the bear on the department's Facebook page and warned residents to "use caution and common sense" when they see bears in their yards.

"If you have bird feeders or garbage bins outside, safely remove them. Any pets should be kept inside tonight as well," police said.

Town residents who spot a bear in their neighborhood can reach the Hadley Police Department at 413-584-0883. The Massachusetts Environmental Police can be reached at 800-632-8075.

MAP showing approximate area where bear was spotted: