Politics & Government

In a Black Bear Encounter, Knowledge is Power

With more and more black bear sightings in the state of Connecticut, it pays to know what to do if you ever come across one.

 

Beware, Connecticutians ... there may be up to 500 black bears roaming the forests of our state, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Needless to say, it would be awkward, to say the least, to meet a black bear in a dark alley or on your property without proper instruction on what to do. In fact, the best policy would be to follow commonsense protocols to avoid attracting them in the first place.

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Here's some black bear tips and do's and don'ts from the DEEP website that are sure to make your outdoor adventures a little safer in case you have a chance encounter with a bear.

KEEPING BEARS AWAY FROM YOUR HOME

Bears are attracted to the garbage, pet food, compost piles, fruit trees and birdfeeders around houses.

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  • DO make birdfeeders and bird food inaccessible by discontinuing the feeding of birds from late March through November or by hanging feeders at least ten feet above the ground and six feet away from tree trunks.
  • DO eliminate food attractants by placing garbage cans inside a garage or shed. Add ammonia to trash to make it unpalatable.
  • DO 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 WHILE HIKING OR CAMPING

Bears normally leave an area once they’ve sensed a human. If you see a bear, enjoy it from a distance. Aggression by bears towards humans is exceptionally rare.

  • DO make your presence known by making noise and waving your arms if you see a bear while hiking.
  • DO keep dogs on a leash and under control.  A roaming dog might be perceived as a threat to a bear or its cubs.
  • DO walk away slowly if you surprise a bear nearby. 
  • DON'T cook food near your tent or store food inside your tent.  Instead, keep food in a secure vehicle or use rope to suspend it between two trees.
  • DON'T climb a tree, but wait in a vehicle or building for the bear to leave an area.

BEARS, LIVESTOCK AND BEEHIVES

Bears occasionally attack livestock and damage beehives.

  • DO protect livestock with electric fencing and move livestock into barns at night if possible.
  • DO reinforce beehives to prevent them from being knocked over or protect them with electric fencing.

Go to DEEP's black bear page to see a Connecticut black bear fact sheet and a list of black bear sightings by town.


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