Bears Spotted In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — Several bear sightings have been reported in Hamden, including on the Quinnipiac University campus on Wednesday morning. Quinnipiac said in a post on Twitter that a bear was spotted at 8:15 a.m. near the Harwood Gate at its Mount Carmel Campus.

“The bear was then seen returning to Sleeping Giant State Park,” Quinnipiac said in the post. “Please proceed with caution. If you see a bear on any of our campuses, please call Public Safety immediately at 203-582-6200.”

Sleeping Giant State Park remains closed due to the extensive damage from the recent tornado that hit Hamden.

“Within the last year, the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection reports that 14 bears were spotted in Hamden,” Hamden Police wrote in a news release. “Black bears are becoming increasingly common in Connecticut as the population continues to grow and expand and with the recent storm that heavily damaged its natural habitat, more sightings are likely to occur. The primary contributing factor to bear nuisance problems is the presence of easily-accessible food sources near homes and businesses. Bears should NEVER be fed, either intentionally or accidentally.”

The Hamden Police Department reminds residents to report sightings of any bears by contacting DEEP Wildlife Division @ (860) 424-3011, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or DEEP Dispatch (860-424-3333, 24 hours) or the Hamden Police Department @ (203) 230-4000.

A Patch reader shared a photo of a bear that was spotted in her backyard on Tuesday afternoon in the Mount Carmel area.

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.

"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.

Photo courtesy of Jennifer Dobas

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