Bear Visits Woodbridge Resident's Backyard

Shared by Frank P. Cappiello, Woodbridge Chief of Police

Bear Sightings – Reminder

This week a black bear was observed in the backyard of a home located in the area of Amity Road and Seymour Road. Bear paw prints in the snow were also observed on properties across town in the Woodfield Road and Fountain Street area. As the warmer weather approaches, police are anticipating additional bear sightings. Although aggression by bears towards humans is exceptionally rare, residents are reminded of the following tips provided by the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection:

• Remove bird feeders from the end of March through early November.
• Do not leave bird, pet or livestock food outside overnight.
• Do not intentionally feed bears – they will become accustomed to finding food near your home, will repeatedly return, and may become a nuisance/problem.
• Keep BBQ grills clean and stored in a garage or shed after use. (Propane cylinders should be stored outside.)
• Keep your dogs on a leash or under control – a roaming dog may be perceived as a threat to a bear or its cubs.
• If you see a bear, enjoy it from a distance, and do not approach it or try to get closer to get a photo.
• When hiking, make your presence known to a bear by making noise and waving your arms.
• Back away slowly if you encounter and surprise a bear.
• Do not run or climb a tree – if possible wait in a vehicle or a building until the bear leaves the area.

Any concerns can be reported directly to the Woodbridge Police at (203) 387-2511, to Woodbridge Animal Control at (203) 389-5991, or by calling “911” in the event of an
emergency.

The CT DEEP monitors black bear activity statewide and routine sighting report forms and additional information can be found online at www.ct.gov/deep/blackbear.

Patch file photo and not the bear mentioned in this article