Wildlife Encounters
Bear Spotted Near Hampden Road — Third Sighting This Month
By Staff Reporter | May 25, 2026
A large black bear was observed Monday morning crossing Hampden Road near the intersection with Wilbraham Road, prompting concerned calls to the Monson Police Department from multiple residents. Wildlife officials say the animal is likely a two-to-three-year-old male, recently displaced from the Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary as it establishes its own territory — a normal occurrence this time of year.
MassWildlife urges residents to secure garbage bins, take down bird feeders, and never approach or feed bears. If you encounter a bear, make noise and back away slowly. Bears in Monson are generally not aggressive unless they feel cornered or threatened.
"Give them space and they will give you space." — MassWildlife District Wildlife Biologist
Sightings are most common in May and June as bears emerge from winter lethargy and begin foraging. Residents with livestock or beehives should contact MassWildlife for guidance on deterrents.
To report a wildlife encounter: call MassWildlife at (413) 858-0200 or the Monson Police non-emergency line at (413) 267-3700.
Sports & Recreation
Mustangs Baseball Rallies Late to Down Palmer, 7–3
By Sports Desk | May 24, 2026
The Monson High School Mustangs baseball team scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to pull away from Palmer, 7–3, on Saturday at Quarry Field. Junior pitcher Jake Rheaume went the distance, striking out eight batters. The win puts Monson at 9–4 on the season.
Center fielder Devon Ostrowski went 3-for-4 with a triple and two RBIs, earning player-of-the-game honors. Coach Bill Tremblay praised the team's resilience after falling behind 3–2 after four innings.
Recent Results
| Date | Sport | Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|
| May 24 | Baseball | Palmer | 7–3 | W |
| May 22 | Softball | Ware | 4–4 | T |
| May 21 | Track | Tri-Meet | 2nd of 4 | — |
| May 19 | Baseball | Belchertown | 2–5 | L |
| May 17 | Girls Tennis | Southwick | 3–2 | W |
| May 15 | Softball | Ludlow | 6–1 | W |
Local Business Directory
Supporting local businesses keeps Monson strong. Contact us to list your business — it's free.
Food & Dining
Monson House of Pizza
19 Main St · (413) 267-3555
Mon–Sat 11am–9pm · Sun 12–8pm
Food & Dining
Corner Grille
5 Flynt St · (413) 267-4100
Tue–Sun 6am–2pm · Breakfast & Lunch
Retail
Monson Pharmacy
47 Main St · (413) 267-3301
Mon–Fri 9am–6pm · Sat 9am–1pm
Auto & Repair
Gagnon's Auto Service
110 Hampden Rd · (413) 267-3800
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Sat 8am–12pm
Health & Wellness
Monson Family Dental
55 Main St · (413) 267-4040
Mon–Thu 8am–5pm · Fri 8am–1pm
Hardware & Home
Monson Hardware & Supply
28 Main St · (413) 267-3210
Mon–Sat 7:30am–5:30pm
Financial
Monson Savings Bank
146 Main St · (413) 267-3316
Mon–Thu 9am–4pm · Fri 9am–6pm
Landscaping
Glade View Landscaping
Monson, MA · (413) 267-5560
Spring–Fall · Free estimates
Real Estate
Monson Realty Group
12 Main St · (413) 267-6600
By appointment · 7 days a week
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Week of May 19–25, 2026 · Source: Monson PD
Source: Monson PD Weekly Log
· Charges are allegations; all persons are innocent until proven guilty.
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