UPDATED: Bear Bids Farewell to Herkimer After Short Stay in Village Tree | Local [Video]

ORIGINAL STORY BELOW:

HERKIMER, N.Y. — A black bear has been spotted in the Village of Herkimer.

The Herkimer Police Department has requested that residents refrain from approaching the bear for photographs.

HPD emphasized earlier in the day on Monday the importance of maintaining a safe distance to allow for the bear to climb down and leave the area without any issues.

In an update posted to Facebook at around 2:30 p.m., HPD stated that the bear was last seen near Harter Street.

Local schools and Birnie Bus have been notified of the situation.

“After consulting with a DEC Officer on scene, we cannot stress enough to leave the bear alone; it will find its way back to the woods,” HPD posted on Facebook.

HPD also reassured the community that the bear has not been euthanized.

Officers will continue to monitor the area, as stated in the social media update.