As Avon Issues Bear Alert, Folks Told To Get 'Bear Horns'

AVON, CT — Town officials this week are urging local residents to be wary of bears in town, an alert that comes after an elderly Avon woman was attacked by a bear Friday morning.

The Town of Avon issued notice Monday that folks need to keep an eye out for the potentially dangerous mammals, whose populations in the state appear to be incerassing.

Avon urged residents to report any sightings of bears to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

“Black bears should never be fed — either intentionally or unintentionally,” said DEEP Wildlife Division Director Jenny Dickson in a news release.

“Bears that are attracted to homes by easily-accessible foods lose their fear of humans. Such bears spend more time in neighborhoods and near people, increasing risks to public safety, the likelihood of property damage, and the possibility that the bears may be hit and killed by vehicles.”

On Friday, April 21, a 74-year-old woman was attacked and bitten by a black bear while walking her dog in the morning on Berkshire Crossing Road.

Both dog and woman were not seriously harmed, but the incident served as a wake-up call on people needing to be "bear aware."

One way to do that, according to the Avon Animal Control Department, is to carry a so-called "bear horn," which is a "safe and effective wy to scare bears away from driveways and yards as well."

Bear horns are, in reality, just those common air horns used to get the attention of people and it also frightens bears. They are available at most department stores and via online shopping sites.

Avon's animal control department also urged folks to stay on the trails when walking outside.

“'Stick to the path' is a good motto to have, particularly when hibernating bears are currently waking up hungry and eagerly seeking food sources," wrote Avon Animal Control.

State and local officials released several tips in dealing with bears.

They include:

• Do not feed birds in the spring (starting in late March), summer and early fall. Clean up spilled seed from the ground.

• Store garbage in secure, airtight containers inside a garage or storage area.

• Add ammonia to cans and bags to reduce odors that attract bears.

• Periodically clean garbage cans with ammonia to reduce residual odor.

• Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection and not the night before.

• Do not store leftover bird seed or recyclables in a porch or screened sunroom as bears can smell these items and will rip screens to get at them.

• Supervise dogs at all times when outside. Keep dogs on a short leash when walking and hiking. A roaming dog might be perceived as a threat to a bear or its cubs.

• Do not leave pet food outdoors or feed pets outside.
• Use electric fencing to protect beehives, agricultural crops, berry bushes, chickens and other livestock.

• Keep barbecue grills clean. Store grills inside a garage or shed.

• Avoid placing meat scraps or sweet foods, such as fruit and fruit peels, in compost piles.

Bear sightings can be reported by calling DEEP at 860-424-3011 or via its website at this link.

For more information on black bears, click on DEEP's bear webpage at this link.

From April 21: 'Avon Woman Bit In Bear Attack Friday: DEEP.'