LOOK! Black Bear Spotted In One Of Albany County’s Busiest Areas

A big black bear was spotted last night (Wednesday, September 18th) in a very busy area of Albany County.

Patty Grimmell's husband was picking up their son from work last night near the Latham Red Robin and saw a large black bear wandering the parking lot.

According to Patty Gimmell's Facebook post and video, she was worried about the bear and wondered where it could have come from. There aren't any woods in that area; it is a busy, built-up area off of Route 9.

We aren't sure where the bear is now, but if you encounter a bear, you should always be cautious and stay at a safe distance. More importantly, leave them alone. Do not approach the bear, call authorities, and go to a safe location. These are wild animals and can be very dangerous.

The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) advises caution when encountering black bears in residential areas. Black bears are generally shy and avoid humans, but they may be attracted to populated areas by food sources such as garbage, bird feeders, or pet food.

If you see a bear, stay calm and do not approach it. Make loud noises or bang objects to scare it away, and ensure that you remove any potential food sources to prevent future visits. The DEC stresses the importance of securing trash and outdoor food to avoid attracting bears, as feeding them—whether intentionally or accidentally—can make them bolder and cause them to lose their natural fear of humans. If a bear acts aggressively or lingers in the area, contact local authorities for assistance.