SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) — The Smithfield Police Department warned the public to be on the lookout for black bears after a number of sightings in town.

The department said the growing bear population was responsible for the increase in sightings.

The following recommendations were given to limit bear encounters:

Remove items such as bird and squirrel feeders from your yard.

If you feed your pet outdoors, remember to remove food dishes promptly when your pet is done eating.

Secure the lids of garbage containers, especially if they contain food scraps.

Intentionally feeding a bear is illegal. Once a bear loses its fear of human beings, dangerous conditions and circumstances develop for both people and the bear.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said that there wer

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