Authorities in Manchester have issued an alert to residents after a black bear was spotted twice around town.

Police said the animal was seen Sunday in two locations on the east end of town. The bear did not cause any significant disturbances.

Officials said that when the bear was spotted, officers used sirens, air horns and water hoses to get it to move. The animal retreated to a wooded area behind the town’s Holly Oaks section, but it's possible the bear may wander back into residential areas.

Wildlife officials reminded residents of the following precautions to take when dealing with the wild animal:

Never feed or approach a bear.

Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands or making other noises.

Make sure the bear has an escape route.

Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge.

Never run from a bear. Instead, slowly back away.

To report black bear damage or nuisance behavior, contact the New Jersey's Department of Fish and Wildlife’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline: 1-877-927-6337.