This map shows bear sightings reported to the DEEP over the past year. The darker the blue, the more sightings were reported in a given a town.
Another bear sighting. That brings Ridgefield’s total to 17.
“A young, independent black bear visited our side yard last Wednesday at about 7:30 p.m.,” writes Hayley De Marchis who lives at the intersection of Wilton Road East and Spectacle Lane.
“He pulled all three of our bird feeders down to the ground and proceeded to eat the bird seed,” she said. “The bear even snapped an iron Shepard’s hook holding a hanging bird feeder in half.”
A bear feasting in a yard near the intersection of Wilton Road East and Spectacle Lane on July 19. — Hayley De Marchis
The state reported an increase in bear sightings in Ridgefield, The Press has previously reported. That number isn’t a reliable indicator of the number of bears. People might report the same bear many times, or not report sightings in areas where they are more common.
Police recommend motorists be cautious since bears seem to have little fear of roads, and many are struck by cars in Connecticut.
DEEP has these recommendations:
- Bears are attracted to the garbage, pet food, compost piles, fruit trees and birdfeeders around houses.
- Remove birdfeeders and bird food from late March through November.
- Eliminate food attractants by placing garbage cans inside a garage or shed. Add ammonia to trash to make it unpalatable.
- Clean and store grills away after use.
- Don’t intentionally feed bears. Bears that become accustomed to finding food near your home may become “problem” bears.
- Don’t leave pet food outside overnight.
- Don’t add meat or sweets to a compost pile.
If you see a bear, enjoy it from a distance, DEEP says. “Aggression by bears towards humans is exceptionally rare.”
However, the agency recommends:
- Make your presence known by making noise and waving your arms if you see a bear while hiking.
- Keep dogs on a leash and under control. A roaming dog might be perceived as a threat to a bear or its cubs.
- Walk away slowly if you surprise a bear nearby.
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