Farmington PD: Don't Feed The Bears

FARMINGTON, CT — Urging folks to refrain from feeding bears may be something common at national parks like Yellowstone and Yosemite.

But it even applies to folks living in the Town of Farmington, which has more than its fair share of furry creatures living within its borders.

In fact, the Farmington Police Department even issued a bulletin Monday reminding folks to not do this, either on purpose or by accident.

With spring arriving, the weather improving, bears waking up from a winter's nap and folks outside more, Farmington police warned people to be on the lookout for bears.

"Bears are out and about looking for food," wrote the FPD. "Please remember to keep your garbage secure, clean off grills and remove birdseed."

This is especially so for those who raise animals like bees, chickens, rabbits, etc.

Police recommend residents use electric fencing to protect bee hives, chicken coops and rabbit hutches.

They even ask that people pick up any fruit that may fall from their trees, as those can attract bears as well.

Pets also need to be thought of as well.

"Always supervise your pets outdoors but if you use an electric fence for your dog, check your property for wildlife prior to letting your dog out," wrote the FPD.

The town, even, has a wildlife feeding ordinance on its books, so not feeding wildlife in some instances is not only a recommendation, it's the law.

According to the ordinance, which was distributed by police, it is illegal to intentionally feed wildlife and bird feeders are prohibited from April 1 to Nov. 30 in most cases.

Those laws also pertain to improperly storing food, refuse and "other wildlife attractants" improperly, according to the ordinance.

Violations could carry with them $100 fines for each offense, according to the ordinance.

For more information on bears in Connecticut, click on this link.

To read Farmington's ordinances regarding wildlife, click on this link.