UPDATE: Into the Woods, Enfield Bear Retreats

Update: 9:55 a.m. June 4:

The adult bear seen wandering in the area of Route 190 and Elm Street in Enfield “retreated back into the woods” Wednesday night, according to Enfield Police Chief Carl Sferrazza.

An alert warning of the bruin’s presence was emailed to residents at 8:41 p.m. Wednesday. The black bear eluded police as they tried to corral it.

Sferrazza said, “It was a large, good-sized adult” bear that went back into the woods without causing damage to any residents’ property or causing any injuries.

Here’s an advisory from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on what to do if you see a bear and how not to attract them to your property.

Bears are attracted to the garbage, pet food, compost piles, fruit trees and birdfeeders around houses.

• DO remove birdfeeders and bird food from late March through November.
• DO eliminate food attractants by placing garbage cans inside a garage or shed. Add ammonia to trash to make it unpalatable.
• DO clean and store grills away after use.
• DON’T intentionally feed bears. Bears that become accustomed to finding food near your home may become “problem” bears.
• DON’T leave pet food outside overnight.
• DON’T add meat or sweets to a compost pile.

BEARS SEEN WHEN HIKING OR CAMPING

Bears normally leave an area once they’ve sensed a human. If you see a bear, enjoy it from a distance. Aggression by bears towards humans is exceptionally rare.

• DO make your presence known by making noise and waving your arms if you see a bear while hiking.
• DO keep dogs on a leash and under control. A roaming dog might be perceived as a threat to a bear or its cubs.
• DO walk away slowly if you surprise a bear nearby.
• DON’T cook food near your tent or store food inside your tent. Instead, keep food in a secure vehicle or use rope to suspend it between two trees.
• DON’T climb a tree, but wait in a vehicle or building for the bear to leave an area.

BEARS, LIVESTOCK AND BEEHIVES

Bears occasionally attack livestock and damage beehives.

• DO protect livestock with electric fencing and move livestock into barns at night if possible.
• DO reinforce beehives to prevent them from being knocked over or protect them with electric fencing.

Original story: 8:45 p.m. June 3

Enfield Police sent alert to residents at 8:41 p.m. that they “are actively attempting to corral a black bear back into the wooded area around Route 190 and Elm Street.”

Police advise, “Please keep all animals and children inside until early hours on June fourth.”

Check back for updates on this situation.