What we know about Bunk Pond in Taunton — where young woman drowned

TAUNTON — What is Bunk Pond in Taunton?

Back on Aug. 10, Bunk Pond was in the news when tragedy struck and a 23-year-old Taunton woman, Elfreda Neneh Yovonie, drowned there , the Bristol County District Attorney's Office said.

If you had never previously heard of Bunk Pond, you are not alone. The pond isn't as well known as some other bodies of water in the greater Taunton area, such as the Taunton River, Watson Pond, Lake Sabbatia, Lake Nippenicket in Bridgewater or Gushee Pond in Raynham.

The mayor's office confirmed that Bunk Pond is a remote conservation area under the jurisdiction of Taunton's Conservation Commission.

Conservation Agent Michele Restino and Conservation Commission Chair Steven Turner provided basic background information on Bunk Pond and what it's used for.

Where is Bunk Pond?

Bunk Pond is located north of Interstate 495 on the Taunton/Raynham line.

The body of water is very well hidden within brush and woods, with no real clearance or line of sight around its perimeter.

The pond is situated next to Erwin S. Wilder Wildlife Management Area on the Norton/Taunton town line.

Because of its proximity, it could initially appear on a map that Bunk Pond is part of the Wildlife Management Area.

But Restino said Bunk Pond is not part of the Erwin Wilder Wildlife Management Area and, therefore, there is no state oversight of the body of water.

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How large is Bunk Pond?

Bunk Pond is over 30 acres in size.

How to access Bunk Pond?

No roads lead to Bunk Pond.

Public access to the pond is allowed. As a remote conservation area, the only available access to Bunk Pond is through unmaintained walking trails.

However, there is no available parking near Bunk Pond. One trail entrance to the pond can be found at the intersection of Prospect Hill Street and Elm Street West in Raynham. Parking at the entrance is prohibited, said Turner.

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What's allowed there?

Passive recreation, like walking, hiking and fishing, are allowed. Swimming is not allowed in Bunk Pond, said Turner.

Any safety measures out there?

There is no regular monitoring, security, or presence of any kind, whether police or city department staff, present at Bunk Pond.

This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: What we know about Bunk Pond in Taunton — where young woman drowned