BELCHERTOWN, Mass. (WWLP) - A 22News has spotted a bear roaming around Belchertown on Sunday. 14 years since Mickey Brougham of Belchertown reported missing Richard Pelott of Belchertown saw a bear walking through the Brandywine Drive neighborhood. According to Mass.gov, there are 4,500 black bears, across the Commonwealth, making it not uncommon to see one walking through your yard. Black bears become more active and search for food during springtime in western Massachusetts. According to the National Park Service, if you see a bear you should do the following: Remain watchful Do not approach it Do not allow the bear to approach you If the bear is at a distance, feeding or walking by, and notices you but continues its natural behavior, no action is needed on your part. Proceed while continuing to observe the bear. If your presence causes the bear to change its behavior (stops feeding, changes its travel direction, watches you, etc.) you are too close. Being too close may promote aggressive behavior from the bear such as running toward you, making loud noises, or swatting the ground. The bear is demanding more space. Don’t run, but slowly back away, watching the bear. Increase the distance between you and the bear. The bear will probably do the same. Local News What is the difference between a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and Warning? PHOTO: Bear spotted roaming around Brandywine Drive in Belchertown Search of two North Adams homes leads to arrests, drugs, and stolen firearm seized InFocus: Mercy Medical Center addiction services WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.