BELLINGHAM, Mass. — Police have issued a warning to several Massachusetts communities along the Rhode Island border after a black bear sighting.

The bear was spotted this past week in several areas including Blackstone, Uxbridge, and Bellingham in backyards, wooded-areas and on golf courses.

Animal control officers believe the bear is an adolescent male, weighing about 80 pounds. Police said a Bellingham woman was able to snap pictures of the animal when it appeared near her bird feeder, but the bear quickly fled the yard.

Police have warned residents to keep a close eye on small children and pets. They also have urged people to keep trash inside, and to remove bird feeders from yards.