Bear Spotted Having Snack At Home In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — Police are advising residents that numerous bear sightings have been reported recently in the West Woods area of Hamden. A bear was spotted Thursday morning on Hillfield Road eating from a bird feeder on the home’s deck. See the video at the end of this story.

With bear sightings on the rise in Connecticut, DEEP officials say if you encounter a bear to remain calm and observe the bear from a distance. To sign up for Hamden breaking news alerts and more, click here.

"Do not approach or try to get closer to a bear," according to the state DEEP website. "If the bear is unaware of your presence, back away or make noise which will often cause the bear to flee. If the bear is aware of you and does not flee, talk to the bear in a calm voice and back away slowly. Never run or climb a tree. If the bear approaches, be offensive. Make more noise, wave your arms, and throw objects at the bear. Black bears rarely attack humans. However, if you are attacked, do not play dead. Fight back with anything available."

DEEP officials offer the following steps on what to do to avoid conflicts and problems if you find a bear near your home.

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

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 in a garage or shed after use. (Propane cylinders should be stored outside.)

DON'T intentionally feed bears. Bears that become accustomed to finding food near your home may become "problem" bears.

DON'T approach or try to get closer to a bear to get a photo or video.

DON'T leave pet food outside overnight.

DON'T add meat or sweets to a compost pile.

Read more at the state DEEP website here.

Image via Shutterstock/ Not of actual bear spotted in Hamden

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