BY CHRIS QUARTARONE

Between escaped sheep and bear sightings, Bedford animal control officer Steven Paul has been busy lately.

All of his animal activities started back in June when Scott and Susan Adams of Amherst were transporting four of their sheep across a road to a field to graze.

The Adamses, along with a few friends, picked up each corner of the fence and began corralling the sheep across the road to the field.

One sheep got caught in the fence and when Scott tried to free it, another sheep jumped the fence and the one that was caught in the fence escaped, too.

“We thought the sheep would respect the fence,” said Susan Adams. “It was exactly what we didn’t want to happen.”

The sheep wandered around Amherst and into Bedford throughout July and into August.

“The next thing we know we’re getting calls from the Bedford police,” said Scott.

Paul was getting numerous phone calls and decided to contact Steve Blais, a local farmer in Bedford. Both came up with a plan to catch the sheep.

“I grew up on a farm, and I know how to catch pretty much anything,” said Paul.

With the help of equipment from Joppa Hill Farm, Paul contacted the McMurdys on Esther Drive in Bedford and asked to set up a pen in their backyard. Paul would put grain in it to help lure the sheep.

“The sheep had been around our house for a few weeks,” said George McMurdy. “My 12-year- old son, Mac, was excited to see if we could catch the sheep.”

A four-sided fence was set up in the McMurdy’s backyard with the grain. A long rope was tied to the gate and was placed near the McMurdy’s back door so they could pull the gate closed when the sheep were inside.

“Sure enough, one Saturday morning Mac saw the sheep in the cage and pulled the gate closed,” said George McMurdy. “I just helped him tied the rope tight.”

In late September, the Adams were at a wedding in North Carolina when they finally got the call saying their sheep had been caught.

“I was so surprised the sheep were actually caught,” said Scott Adams.

Susan Adams knew it was a matter of time before the sheep were caught.

“I had hoped once it got to this time of the year they would seek a food source and wind up with someone else’s herd,” she said.

The Adams want to thank everyone involved, especially Mac McMurdy.

“Next time, we’ll be more careful,” said Scott Adams. “For now, the sheep are back and safe.”

Bear scare

At the same time, Paul was getting upwards of two to three calls a day about a black bear sighting in Bedford.

“Bears are common in Southern New Hampshire, but for people that have moved here from the city, they are not used to seeing this type of stuff,” said Paul.

Town Clerk Wanda Jenkins was cooking on Oct. 22 when the black bear came into her yard.

“In the 20 years living here, that was my first time seeing a bear,” she said, “I had considered barbecuing, but that sighting changed my mind.”

Paul thinks the rise is sightings is partially due to the fact that more of the environment is being developed and more wildlife is being pushed out.

“We encourage people to give a call to the Bedford police if they see the bear,” he said.

Paul doesn’t think the bear will become a problem to the town as bears go into hibernation in late fall.

He did say, however, that if the bear does become a nuisance, it may be tranquilized and brought to a state park up north.

The Bedford Police Department wants to get the word out to the public about how to handle bear sightings in Bedford.

Paul refers people to the state Fish and Game Web site for bear encounter tips.

“Most of the time bears are more afraid of you,” he said, “To start, it’s a good idea to take in trash, bird feeders and grills, all things that attract bears.”

Tips from Fish and Game

• If you see a bear, keep your distance. Make it aware of your presence by clapping, talking, singing or making other sounds.

• Do not run, avert your eyes or turn your back to the bear. The bear may perceive weakness and enforce dominance.

• Keep Dumpsters and trash containers secured at all times. Trash cans should not be placed on the curb until the day of pickup. Until then, all garbage containers should be secured in a well-constructed shed, garage or basement.

 • Bears will not intentionally attack dogs, but they can sometimes be startled or surprised by a dog if they are sneaking around a house looking for bird feeders or following the smell of pet food. Bears will often run and tree when disturbed by dogs, but a parting swat can’t be ruled out in close quarters.

For more information, visit www.wildlife.state.nh.us.