Black Bear Season: What You Should Know

In the past year, Connecticut residents have reported nearly 2,500 black bear sightings throughout the state.

In , the DEEP website notes there have been no sightings in town since April 29, 2011. However, there was one reported sighting in neighboring Branford during that time period — and  in back in September 2011, according to .

The number of sightings may increase this year as bears come out of hibernation and their population growth continues to increase, stated the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in a press release.

The DEEP reminds residents to take steps to reduce contact and conflicts with black bears. “These steps become increasingly important as bears emerge from winter hibernation looking for food and because the state’s bear population is growing,” the press release detailed. 

The growing population is estimated by the DEEP at about 500 bears.

So far this spring, the DEEP said they have already received several reports of bears traveling through populated areas and coming into contact with humans and domestic animals.  “When bears emerge from their winter dens, natural foods are scarce and, as a result, bears are often attracted to human-provided foods found near homes.”

Susan Frechette, DEEP Deputy Commissioner stated, “Most conflicts occur when bears are attracted close to homes by food sources that are easy for them to access, such as bird seed, garbage, and residue on grills.  This can lead to more serious problems, including habituated bears that have lost their fear of humans.” 

Household garbage should be stored in closed garages or sheds, states the DEEP or in cases where that can not be done, trash receptacles should be cleaned with ammonia to discourage pilfering by bears and other animals.  Other items that can attract bears include pet and livestock foods, sweet or fatty food scraps in compost piles, and fruit-bearing trees.

Although uncommon, the DEEP states that bears may attack and kill livestock, such as sheep, goats, pigs, and fowl.  “They also can destroy unprotected beehives.  One of the best precautions for these problems is well-maintained electric fencing.  Other recommendations for livestock growers include moving animals into sheds or barns at night, keeping feed contained, keeping animals as distant from forested areas as possible, and using guard dogs.”

The DEEP encourages residents to take the following simple steps to avoid problems with black bears:

1.      NEVER feed bears.

2.      Take down, clean, and put away birdfeeders by late March. Store the feeders until late fall.  Clean up spilled seed from the ground.

3.      Store garbage in secure, airtight containers inside a garage or storage area.  Double bagging and 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. 

4.      Avoid leaving pet food outdoors at night.

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

6.      Avoid placing meat scraps or sweet foods in compost piles.

7.      Protect beehives, livestock, and berry bushes from bears with electric fencing.

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

If you encounter a bear while hiking, the DEEP recommends that you make your presence known by yelling or making other loud noises.  “Usually, a bear will move from an area once it detects humans.  If a bear does not retreat, slowly leave the area and find an alternate hiking route.”

Though the bear population continues to swell and be of concern to some residents, prevention and tolerance are necessary for coexisting with bears in Connecticut, states the DEEP.  “It is important to remember that although black bears regularly travel near houses, they are rarely aggressive toward humans and can usually be frightened away by making loud noises, throwing sticks, or spraying with a garden hose.”

In the rare instance when a bear appears to be aggressive toward people, residents should contact the DEEP Wildlife Division’s Sessions Woods office at 860-675-8130 (Mon.-Fri. from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM) or the DEEP’s 24-hour dispatch line (860-424-3333) during weekends and non-business hours.

Bear sightings reported by the public provide valuable information to assist the DEEP Wildlife Division in monitoring the black bear population.  Anyone who observes a black bear in Connecticut is encouraged to report the sighting on the DEEP’s Web site. Some bears have been ear-tagged for research. Information on the presence or absence of tags, including tag color, letters, and numbering, is particularly valuable.