Bear Spotted In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Fairfield Animal Control recently received a report a bear sighting in the area of Sunnyridge Avenue. Police said Animal Control responded but was unable to locate the bear.

Animal Control also recently received a report of two bears in the north end of the town.

“If left alone bears are usually not dangerous to people,” police said in a news release. “If you see a bear or would like more information you can call the Fairfield Animal Control at 203-254-4857 or the police non-emergency number, 203-254-4800. If it is an emergency, call 911.”

Below are some tips, via the Fairfield Police Department, if you encounter a bear:

If you see a bear:

• Enjoy it from a distance.
• Advertise your presence by shouting and waving your arms or walk slowly away.
• Don’t ever attempt to feed or attract bears.

Bears near your home

In wilderness settings bears usually avoid people. But food attractants near homes can cause them to grow habituated to humans and disturbances, such as dogs and other noises. Bears are attracted by bird feeders, garbage, outdoor pet food, compost piles, fruit trees, and berry-producing shrubs.

To avoid attracting bears:

• Remove bird feeders from late March through November. If a bear visits a bird feeder in winter, remove the feeder.
• Wait until the morning of collection before bringing out trash. Add a few capfuls of ammonia to trash bags and garbage cans to mask food odors. Keep trash bags in a container with a tight lid and store in a garage or shed.
• Do not leave pet food outside overnight. Store livestock food in airtight containers.
• Do not put meats or sweet-smelling fruit rinds in compost piles. Lime can be sprinkled on the compost pile to reduce the smell and discourage bears.
• Thoroughly clean grills after use or store in a garage or shed.
• Don’t ever intentionally feed bears. Bears that associate food with people may become aggressive and dangerous. This may lead to personal injury, property damage, and the need to destroy problem animals.
• If you see a bear on your property you can either leave the bear alone and wait for it to leave or make loud noises from a safe distance to attempt to scare the bear away. After the bear leaves the property, remove anything that may have attracted it to the area.

File photo / Not of actual bear spotted in Fairfield