What to Do If You See a Bear: Essential Safety Tips for Every Encounter

Published

1 year ago

October 28, 2025

Rockland Report Admin

🧭 GENERAL RULES (for any bear encounter)

Stay calm.
Don’t run or scream — that can trigger a chase response.
Identify yourself.
Speak calmly and firmly (“Hey bear…”) so it knows you’re human, not prey.
Don’t make eye contact.
That can be seen as a challenge.
Back away slowly.
Move sideways if possible — it’s less threatening and lets you keep an eye on the bear.
Make yourself look big.
Raise your arms, open your jacket, or stand on a rock/log if needed.
Never approach a bear.
Especially not cubs — a mother bear will defend them aggressively.
Have bear spray ready if you’re in bear country.
Know how to use it and keep it accessible (not in your backpack).

🐻 If it’s a Black Bear

Usually more timid and can often be scared off.
Make yourself big, shout, and clap.
Throw sticks or rocks toward (not at) it if it approaches.
Do not play dead. If it attacks, fight back aggressively.

🐾 If it’s a Grizzly/Brown Bear

Often larger, with a humped back and dish-shaped face.
Do not make loud noises or provoke it.
Back away slowly.
If it charges and makes contact: Play dead.
- Lie flat on your stomach, cover your neck, spread your legs to make it harder to flip you over.
- Stay still until the bear leaves.

🚨 If the Bear Charges

Many charges are bluff charges.
- The bear may huff, snort, or stomp before stopping short.
Stand your ground. Use bear spray when it’s about 30–40 feet (10–12 meters) away.

In the event you see a bear in your neighborhood or backyard ALWAYS call your local authorities.

Haverstraw Police Join No-Shave November to Support Cancer Awareness 2026

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Residents may notice a few more beards among the officers of the Town of Haverstraw Police Department this November, and it’s all for a good cause.

The department announced that officers are participating in No-Shave November, an annual campaign that raises awareness and funds for cancer-related causes.

With approval from Town Supervisor Howard Phillips, the Town Board and the Chief of Police, participating officers will be putting down their razors for the month while supporting the charitable initiative.

Each participating officer will also make a personal donation to help support the effort.

The department encourages residents not to be surprised if they see officers sporting some extra facial hair throughout November, noting that it’s not a change in grooming standards but rather a way to show support for an important cause.

No-Shave November encourages participants to embrace their natural hair growth while raising awareness and funds for cancer research and support programs.

Police/Fire/EMS

Chestnut Ridge Middle School Bomb Threat Prompts Evacuation October 29, 2026

Published

6 days ago

October 30, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Students and staff were evacuated from Chestnut Ridge Middle School on Thursday, October 29, 2026, following a reported bomb threat, according to the Ramapo Police Department.

Police said officers responded to the school at approximately 1:11 p.m. after receiving a report of a bomb threat. Students and staff were safely evacuated from the building and transported to an off-site location.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to assist with a search of the school. Explosive detection K-9 units from the Ramapo Police Department, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Town of Woodbury Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Office participated in the search.

The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Disposal Unit also assisted at the scene.

No explosive devices were found during the search, police confirmed.

Emergency personnel from the South Spring Valley Fire Department, Monsey Fire Department and William P. Faist Volunteer Ambulance Corps were also staged at an off-site location and remained ready to respond if needed.

The Ramapo Police Department’s Investigations Division is continuing to investigate the incident, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the Ramapo Police Department at 845-357-2400. Police said all calls will be kept confidential.