West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt is proposing a new ordinance in an effort to prevent bears and other wildlife from populating residential areas.
The proposal would fine residents who feed wildlife. Specifically, bird feeders are targeted in the ordinance, but aren't completely banned.
Reichelt says West Springfield has seen a sharp increase in wild animal conflicts with humans, and says they are avoidable if people would do a better job of securing food sources.
(Photo Credit: West Springfield Mayors Office)