Black bear reported in Barnstable

BARNSTABLE, Mass. (WHDH) -- Barnstable police are warning residents about a black bear that has been spotted in the area.

Police said the 300-pound bear was seen near Route 6A and Route 132 and seemed to be traveling east, based on the sightings.

"It lifted its head and I saw that brown snout...that's a bear," said Patrick O'Connell.

"Kind of amazing. I've never heard of a bear being on Cape Cod before," said Heather Linnell.

Michael Grossman hadn't heard about the bear sightings until he almost ran into the bear.

"I was driving down the hill at about 7 o'clock last night, and came around the corner and the bear was sitting in the middle of the road," said Michael Grossman.

Officials said residents should secure items such as bird feeders and trash because they could attract the bear.

The bear was last seen around 7 a.m. Monday.

Residents are urged to contact Barnstable police if they see the bear. People are instructed to not approach the animal.

Barnstable Police can be reached at 508-778-3874.