PHOTOS: Chickens survive family of bears in Ware

WARE, Mass. (WWLP) - A Ware resident was able to capture a family of bears on camera in their backyard.

Beverly emailed several photos of the family of four bears that show them interacting with each other on Thursday morning. She told 22News, "It was awesome to see as I've never seen that in person before!"

Beverly said she does have chickens and the bears tried to get them but luckily, all were unharmed and there was no damage to the coop.

If you have photos or video of wildlife, email them to 22News at reportit@wwlp.com.

Mass.gov states that in the spring, bears feed on lush, green emerging plants and are often seen in wetlands. In the summertime, they take advantage of ripening berries and can often be found in thick regenerating forest stands where berries are often found. Bears also eat grubs and insects, dead animals, and occasionally young deer.

Black bears are black overall with a brown muzzle and sometimes a white chest patch, with large feet that are well-padded, with moderate-sized, curved claws.

The National Park Service says that if you see a bear, you should do the following:

• Remain watchful
• Do not approach it
• Do not allow the bear to approach you
• If the bear is at a distance, feeding or walking by, and notices you but continues its natural behavior, no action is needed on your part. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear.
• If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) you are too close.
• Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. The bear is demanding more space. Don’t run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Increase the distance between you and the bear. The bear will probably do the same.