Concerns about black bears approaching homes and residents surfaced again during the Sept. 8 Grundy Town Council meeting.
A resident told council that bears near a home were no longer afraid of people and asked whether the town could take action. Grundy Town Police Chief Seth McGlothlin said guidance he had received placed responsibility on the town to address unsecured trash and other human behavior that attracts bears, rather than trying to remove every bear that enters town.
Officials said wildlife authorities generally intervene when a bear poses a direct threat, such as when an animal attempts to enter an occupied home. Council took no formal action on the matter.
The discussion also touched on hunting inside town limits. Officials said any hunting would require the landowner’s permission and approval from the Grundy Police Department. Residents should confirm all state and local requirements before taking any action involving wildlife.
