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

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🧭 GENERAL RULES (for any bear encounter)

  1. Stay calm.
    Don’t run or scream — that can trigger a chase response.

  2. Identify yourself.
    Speak calmly and firmly (“Hey bear…”) so it knows you’re human, not prey.

  3. Don’t make eye contact.
    That can be seen as a challenge.

  4. Back away slowly.
    Move sideways if possible — it’s less threatening and lets you keep an eye on the bear.

  5. Make yourself look big.
    Raise your arms, open your jacket, or stand on a rock/log if needed.

  6. Never approach a bear.
    Especially not cubs — a mother bear will defend them aggressively.

  7. 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.

Police/Fire/EMS

Stony Point Police Department Construction May Limit Public Access

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Construction is underway at the Stony Point Police Department, where improvements to the station’s entrance and surrounding walkways are expected to temporarily affect public access.

The project includes replacing the department’s front steps and entrance area, along with sections of the surrounding sidewalks. During construction, access to the station lobby and police desk may be limited or difficult.

Residents who need police services or assistance are encouraged to call the Stony Point Police Department at 845-786-2422. An officer will assist callers and provide further direction.

Anyone experiencing an emergency should continue to call 911.

Police officials thanked residents for their patience and cooperation as the construction work is completed.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Ramapo Police Halt Test of Advanced License Plate Reader Cameras

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Ramapo Police Chief Daniel Hyman announced that the department will not move forward with a planned test of a new generation of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, citing privacy concerns and the need to balance law enforcement technology with constitutional protections.

Hyman said the technology being considered goes beyond the department’s existing fixed license plate readers. While current cameras primarily capture license plates to help identify wanted or stolen vehicles and assist with criminal investigations, the newer systems include advanced investigative analytics and vehicle-identification capabilities.

“Those capabilities can provide tremendous value to law enforcement, but they also raise legitimate questions about privacy and the appropriate limits of government technology,” Hyman said.

Hyman emphasized that the decision does not affect the traditional fixed LPR cameras currently used by the Ramapo Police Department and does not represent a rejection of license plate reader technology overall.

Instead, he said the department is exercising caution because of the expanded capabilities of the newer systems.

“Our responsibility is to protect both” public safety and constitutional protections, Hyman said.

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