Town Of Avon: Be Bear Aware!

Press release from the Town of Avon:

March 22, 2022 - 12:36pm

**Bear sightings can be reported by calling DEEP at 860-424-3011 or on their website (https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Nuisance-Wildlife/Living-with-Black-Bears ).** “Black bears should never be fed — either intentionally or unintentionally,” State of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Wildlife Division Director Jenny Dickson said, 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.” IMPORTANT TIPS: 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. Adding ammonia to cans and bags will 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.

This press release was produced by the Town of Avon. The views expressed here are the author’s own.