Can Bears And People Coexist? Avon Library To Address That Question

AVON, CT — About the only thing a black bear hasn't done in Avon this year is run for office.

But municipal elections are still a few months away.

In reality, bears have made their presence known by attacking dog walkers, breaking into homes, helping themselves to cupcakes inside a bakery and, even, crashing the town's Memorial Day parade.

Thursday, the Avon Free Public Library is hosting a special program exploring how humans can coexist with these furry, sharp-toothed, sharp-clawed mammals.

Called "Living with Bears," the event will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the library, which is located at 281 Country Club Road, Avon.

"Recent news headlines have created fear and panic …you may wonder: Is it safe to have bears living among us? Why is it that other communities seem to live more peacefully with bears, but not Connecticut?" wrote the library.

"In this presentation, we will look at the sources of bear-human conflicts in Connecticut, and cover practical and effective solutions to those problems."

Thursday's program will feature Laura Simon, a wildlife ecologist who is president of the Connecticut Wildlife Rehabilitators Association and the former wildlife ecologist with the Humane Society of the United States.

Simon has been profiled in the New York Times, National Public Radio and has, even, appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres talk show.

Also on hand will be Annie Cornish, who is the Connecticut director of the Humane Society and a former state represenative from 2009-10.

For more information contact the Avon Free Public Library Adult Services Reference Desk at avonref@avonctlibrary.info or 860-673-9712, ext. 7203.

For more information on the program, click on this link.

From May 30: 'Footage Shows Bear Crashing Avon Memorial Day Parade'