Bear Breaks Into Coop, Kills Chickens: New Canaan Animal Control

NEW CANAAN, CT — A black bear is believed to have broken into a chicken coop on Lantern Ridge Road and killed two chickens last weekend, according to an animal control officer.

Animal Control Officer Allyson Halm said the coop was broken into sometime overnight between Nov. 6 and Nov. 7 and two chickens were killed, one of which was partially consumed.

While the incident was not observed, it is assumed a bear broke into the coop due to the nature of the break-in and scat found near the coop, Halm said.

The incident was reported to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

While bears have destroyed bird feeders in town on a number of occasions, this is the first incident involving chickens and damage to a coop in town Halm is aware of. She also noted the number of black bear sightings in town have increased this year as compared to the past couple of years.

"There does appear to be an increase in bear sightings," Halm said in an email. "Like all our predators, if a food source is available, they will find it."

Halm said residents with gardens, fruit trees, berry bushes, outside garbage cans and small livestock are advised to take necessary precautions to protect their property.

"Bears are now a part of our landscape," Halm said.