Officials are warning residents to protect their children and pets after police received several reports of bears ambling through a northern Massachusetts town.

The Merrimac Police Department noted a recent increase in bear sightings around residential neighborhoods and urged people to use extra caution.

"You may see a bear or two walking around or foraging for food and sometimes even smashing a bird feeder or two," Merrimac police said in a statement .

Police are asking residents to secure any garbage or pet food outside their homes – anything that could attract bears.

Residents should remain 'bear aware'

Merrimac police said residents should remain vigilant and do their best to avoid any close encounters with bears.

People should remove all outdoor bird feeders and avoid fe

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