METHUEN — Police posted a lighted electronic sign on Forest Street last night, to warn people about a "Black Bear Sighted In The Area."

A Giles Road resident's encounter with a young black bear — estimated to weigh about 200 pounds — prompted police to issue the warning and take other precautionary action.

Richard Tracy, of 10 Giles road, called police shortly after 3:30 p.m. to report that he observed a bear in the back yard in the feeding area for his pig.

"In my time with the Police Department, I've never heard of us doing a black bear call," Methuen police Lt. Greg Gallant said last night.

Officer Gary Cloutier and Detective Michael Blanchette responded to the call, and were later joined by Conservation Officer Joseph T. Giarrusso and Mass Fisheries & Wildlife Officer Pat Huckery.

"Upon approach, the bear wandered back into the wooded area. It calmed our fears that it did not appear hostile or aggressive," Gallant said.

But police are still taking steps to protect the public from the potential dangers of close encounters with the bear.

Officer Giarrusso suggested that people bring in their bird feeders, food and garbage for a few days to minimize the chance of attracting the unwelcome guest on their property.

"It's not a hostile animal unless somebody goes out there and starts harassing it. It's basically looking for a free meal," Gallant said.

"But we're advising people if they happen to spot the bear in the area, don't approach it. Call the Methuen Police Department. We're going to do extra checks in the area for a few days in case it becomes an issue," he said.

Offensive or predatory attacks on humans by black bears are rare, according an article posted on the MassWildlife Web site run by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

During the last 108 years, there have been 61 human fatalities from black bear attacks in North America.

"Predatory attacks have typically been in remote or rural areas, probably where bears have little or no experience with people, and almost always have involved male bears," the article said.

When black bears wander into a neighborhood, "the typical residential complaints include destruction of bird feeders, consumption of pet foods, raiding and damaging of trash containers and dumpsters, digging in compost piles, breaking into sheds and outdoor structures, damaging grease-stained grills and barbecues, and begging food from backyard picnickers," according to the MassWildlife Website.

Gallant said the black bear probably won't hang around in the area too long.

"The bear can have a roaming area of 200 kilometers. It's an animal that roams and doesn't stay in one place," he said.

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