FARMINGTON — Police said a hissing raccoon and a hungry bear prompted concerns from residents Tuesday night.

Walkers on the Whistle Stop Trail called the Police Department after they came across a raccoon hunched down on the trail and hissing at about 7:30 p.m., said Bonnie Pomeroy, police secretary. Some suspected the raccoon may have rabies, she said.

The raccoon eventually ran off, but the caller stayed to warn others not to go down the trail, she said. The report indicated the caller stayed near the trailhead in West Farmington.

Around 9:15 p.m. Tuesday, police received a call from a Seminole Drive resident of a black bear in their backyard.

Apparently, a neighbor has beehives that attracted the animal. A horn blast sent the bear lumbering off, Pomeroy said. The resident was told to call back if the animal returned, but no other calls were received.

Game wardens were expected to set up a bear trap and search the Whistle Stop Trail on Wednesday for the raccoon, she said.

abryant@sunmediagroup.net

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