There was a bear spotted in downtown on June 22, but that particular bear is no longer in the vicinity. At this time of year it is not uncommon to see bears. If you do see one, contact the Police Department at call 9-1-1. "Residents should keep a safe distance. Do not approach the animal and contact us if it is an emergency," Dispatcher Bruno Marto of the Police Department said. According to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, black bears are attracted by odors from potential food sources created by people. Carefully controlling these sources of food and associated odors can help prevent black bears from being attracted to people's property and teaching them to associate people with food. Most bears sighted in residential areas do not cause any damage. If a bear doesn't find abundant food, it will move on.