Avon Animal Control Urges Bear Safety After Dog Injured in Bear Attack

AVON, CT — Avon Animal Control is urging residents to take precautions after a recent bear attack left a local dog injured, as increased bear activity continues across town.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, the agency said residents have reported seeing more bears, particularly mother bears with cubs emerging from their dens.

Officials advised dog owners to keep pets leashed while walking on wooded trails and to avoid leaving dogs or other pets unattended in backyards.

"The black bear by nature is extremely gentle and shy of humans," the agency wrote, adding that playing a small transistor radio or placing ammonia-soaked rags in sheds may help deter bears.

Animal control also encouraged residents to secure garbage so it is inaccessible to wildlife and referred residents to BearWise.org for additional safety information.

The reminder follows a bear attack reported last week in Avon.

According to WTNH-TV, the incident occurred on Friday, June 19, while a resident was playing with his dog outside.

The dog suffered several bite and claw wounds during the encounter and is recovering from its injuries.

State wildlife officials routinely recommend removing food attractants, keeping pets under close supervision, and maintaining a safe distance from bears to reduce the likelihood of conflicts.

From June 24: 'Bear Attacks Avon Resident's Dog: Report'