(July, 2010) Summer is the time to relax and enjoy what Carroll Valley offers - peace and quiet within the beautiful countryside. Living in the country brings us closer to our local animal friends. Because of these "close encounters" with our local bear population, I wish to share with you the information I have received from Adams County WCO Dave Grove and Chief Richard Hileman of our Carroll Valley Police Department. They tell me that the black bear population emanating from around the Michaux State Forest region is undoubtedly growing and expanding.

When a bear sighting occurs outside of that area, it will usually be a 1.5 year old male cut loose by its mother, and venturing out to find a new territory. When this occurs, it will normally and eventually find its way back to the mountains. In the meantime, it may hang around a specific area for a couple/few days, especially, if there's an easy food source. An important thing to keep in mind is that bears, although capable of being very dangerous, are very rarely aggressive towards humans, especially if left alone or with an escape route.

As such, it is unlawful for anyone to kill or attempt to kill a bear unless it can be clearly articulated that it is indeed a case of self defense. Simply being afraid of a bear that won't immediately leave an area does not constitute justification.

Advice for people who have a bear hanging around, aside from the common sense act of not trying to get too close to one, centers around food sources. Keep garbage secured properly, take down bird feeders, don't leave domestic animal food in a bowl outside, and essentially take away or secure any other food items for a bear, which includes just about anything edible to man or beast (bears are opportunistic omnivores, and will eat just about anything). If you have any questions about bears or any other wildlife/hunting matter, please don't ever hesitate to contact WCO Grove or Chief Hileman.

Be sure to mark Tuesday August 3rd on your calendar to attend the Borough of Carroll Valley Police Department's National Night Out (NNO). NNO will be held from 5 to 8 pm at Carroll Commons on Fairfield Road. NNO is celebrated each year across the United States to increase awareness for safety within the community, and to educate residents on how to protect their families and familiarize them with available services. All events are FREE.

New this year will be two seminars; "DUI Highway Safety Education" and "Sexual Abuse Awareness" conducted by Adams County Adult Probation and Parole Department. Child Identification kits will be available which will include child fingerprinting and videotaping. Residents may also bring their home fire extinguishers to be checked. If available, a landing will be made by STAT/MedEVAC. MEDIC 28 from Gettysburg Hospital. A "Seat Belt Convincer" machine will be available from the Maryland State Police Barrack G in Westminster. "Motorcycle Awareness and Education" will be on hand from Battlefield Harley Owners Group (HOG).

Also new this year will be the Mobile Spay and Neuter 4-Life Mobile Hospital sponsored by the Adams County SPCA. Other participants include Fairfield Regional Emergency Management Area; Carroll Valley, Hamiltonban and Liberty Township Police Departments; Adams County 911 Center; Fairfield FIRE & EMS; Fountaindale Fire Dept; American Red Cross; Adams County Handgunners Association; Adams County Constables Association; Alleghaney Power; Healthy Adams County; information on Lyme Disease; Excaliber Towing; Carroll Valley Citizens' Association; Adams County Locksmith; Collaborating for Youth; Tobacco Prevention Task Force; Survivors, Inc; Domestic Violence Task Force; Adams County Coalition to Prevent Teen Pregnancy; Adams County Teen Connection Mentoring Program; It Takes A Village, Inc; and Adams County Sheriff James Muller and his K-9 "Pokeet".

Many costumed characters including Smokey the Bear will be greeting everyone. Children's games will be conducted by the Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA. Hot dogs, chips and a drink for children 12 years and younger will be FREE. Other food vendors include Antietam Dairy, Feed Bag Catering, Cub Scout Pack #76, and Boy Scout Troop #76. Come on out and enjoy an evening of information, food and fun.