Black bear spotted in Cromesett, Onset

May 26, 2023

Wareham has long been a popular destination for summer residents — apparently, even for members of the animal kingdom. 

A black bear, which has made its way up the South Coast starting on May 21, made a visit to Cromesett and Onset on Thursday, May 25, and to Indian Mound on Friday, May 26. 

On Thursday, the Wareham Department of Natural Resources posted on its Facebook page that a homeowner in the Cromesett area had captured the bear on their Nest home camera

A few hours later, Scott Drum commented on the department’s post with a photo of the bear crossing Onset Avenue

Early in the morning of Friday, May 26, the bear was spotted in a driveway in the Indian Mound area.

Hours after that, the owners of the Buzzards Bay Antique Center posted a dramatic video of the bear doing a balancing act on the porch railing of their Shell Point home. 

On Saturday, May 27, the bear continued its journey up into Plymouth. The Plymouth Police Department warned residents not to approach, cuddle or shoot it.

The bear made its first appearance in Fall River, before passing through New Bedford, Freetown, Dartmouth, Mattapoisett and Marion

There were no reports of the bear injuring anyone or damaging property during its stroll through Wareham. 

The black bear population in Massachusetts has expanded since the 1970s, according to the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s online guide. 

Everyone needs a vacation now and then, right?