RUMFORD — Residents on Spruce, Maple and Somerset streets were advised to take in their bird feeders, gas grills and garbage cans after a black bear came foraging last week.

Although police who have responded to complaints about the bear haven’t yet seen it, two residents on Spruce Street have, Matt Desroches, Rumford police administration officer, said Tuesday afternoon.

He said police haven’t received word of further sightings this week and hope that the bruin returned to the woods once food sources were removed.

Desroches said they believe it’s just one bear out foraging. But the only “vandalism” that may have been caused by the bear, so far, was a bent-over metal pole to a bird feeder at a Somerset Street residence.

“It’s not confirmed that it was a bear,” he said.

An earlier report three weeks ago about a bear getting into dumpsters on Spruce and Maple streets was likewise unconfirmed, police said.

Desroches said he contacted Maine Game Warden Josh Smith who told them to tell people to bring in their bird feeders, trash cans and gas grills. The grills can have grease droppings that will attract bears.

Rumford isn’t the only Maine town attracting bear tourists this month. Early Monday morning, several residents in Ellsworth contacted police about a bear wandering around Elm and Water streets.

When bears emerge from winter dens in the spring, natural food is scarce, prompting foraging journeys for easier pickings, according to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Last month, the department issued its annual reminder to homeowners that bears may be attracted to bird feeders, garbage cans, dumpsters and grills in their backyards — places where food, or the odor of food, is prevalent.

To avoid conflicts with black bears, the department news release stated that it is imperative that homeowners take these precautions:

* Take down bird feeders between April 1 and November 1, rake up and dispose of bird seed on the ground and store remaining bird seed indoors.

* Keep garbage cans inside until the morning of trash pickup, keep dumpster lids closed and latched, never overfill dumpsters and keep them in a secure building or protect them with fencing, as dumpster lids aren’t bear-proof.

* Remember to burn off any food residue on grills, dispose of wrappers and clean the grilling area after use and, if possible, store grills inside when not in use.

* Store pet and livestock foods inside and clean up any uneaten feed.

“If you’re having bear problems, stop grilling for one to two weeks so that the bear will move on,” the release stated.

When berries begin to ripen during late summer, the number of bear conflicts usually diminishes because it’s easier for bears to find natural food.

Should a person meet a bear, the department report said they “should make loud noises, such as banging pots together, to try to scare it off.”

Additional advice given is to always back away from the bear to give it an escape route. Without an escape route, a cornered bear may charge, the release stated.

People photographing a bear are also advised to stay at a safe distance or in a safe location.

“By taking these precautions, homeowners are more likely to prevent conflicts that could pose a danger to human life or require corrective action, such as moving or killing a bear,” the news report stated.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com