Lewiston Police are asking residents to be cautious after a black bear was spotted on a home surveillance camera Sunday night.

The bear was seen in the Wellman Street, Central Avenue and Pettengill Street area, near Bates College.

Maine is home to the largest black bear population in the eastern United States, with the bears being most active between April and November, according to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. Black bears will often venture into backyards and fields when their natural resources are scarce.

To avoid contact with bears, the department recommends taking down bird feeders and storing them indoors and disposing of any seeds on the ground.

Garbage cans should be stored indoors, Dumpster lids and doors be latched and pets and livestock be kept indoors at night.