Small Black Bear Spotted in Guilford: Police

GUILFORD, CT - Guilford police say there have been reports of a bear spotted in town.

"So the baby bears are venturing out in Guilford and we have had reports in the Janeway Drive and New England Road area of a small black bear," Guilford Police wrote on their Facebook page. "It is not unusual for bears in Guilford but it is always a surprise nonetheless when they are spotted.

Unless the bear poses a danger to the public, we just leave it alone. It's in its natural habitat and sometimes the juveniles wander away and venture off like any other teenager. Eventually it will make its way back to its den," the police wrote.

Interesting fact: Black bear have a sense of smell 7 times that of a bloodhound.... incredible!!! This leads us into why a bear might be on your property.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind regarding bears via the Police Department:
*Secure your trash bins, preferably in your garage. If they have to remain outside, make sure to secure them closed with a band.
*ditch the bird feeders. Who knew bears loved bird seed and humming bird syrup so much?
*make sure the barbecue is clean of drippings. MMMMMM barbecue.
*enclose and secure your compost piles.
*rinse recycling items and place in a secured bin.
*never leave pet food outside.

If you do encounter a bear, remain calm and remember that the bear is likely more scared of you than you are of him.

Attacks by black bears on people are very rare and most black bears can be easily scared away with the following approach, police said.

Other tips via police:

Stand and face the bear directly. Never run away from or approach him. Make yourself look as big as possible by spreading your arms or, better yet, a coat. Make as much noise as possible by yelling, banging pots and pans or using other noisemaking devices. If the bear approaches and you have bear spray, spray the bear as he approaches. In the very rare case that a black bear does attack you, fight back (don’t play dead).

After the bear leaves, remove whatever attracted him to the location (barbecue grill, bird feeder, pet food or garbage).

Photo credit: Guilford Police Facebook page