The Bear Facts -- Bruin Is Seen in New Canaan

There probably wasn’t a need for another cup of coffee for the motorist who called New Canaan Police Thursday morning to report seeing a black bear wandering on Weed Street and Knapp Lane.

When New Canaan Police and animal control officers responded to the area of 219 Weed St. about 9:15 a.m., they didn’t find the bruin after spending nearly a half hour looking, according to The New Canaan Advertiser. But officers did speak to a neighbor who reported several residents did see the bear.

According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, there have been two bear sightings reported in New Canaan from Oct. 4, 2013 through Oct. 2, 2014.

Here’s what the DEEP advises if you spot a bear.

BEARS NEAR YOUR HOME

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

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 away after use.
DON’T intentionally feed bears. Bears that become accustomed to finding food near your home may become “problem” bears.
DON’T leave pet food outside overnight.
DON’T add meat or sweets to a compost pile.

BEARS SEEN WHEN HIKING OR CAMPING

Bears normally leave an area once they’ve sensed a human. If you see a bear, enjoy it from a distance. Aggression by bears towards humans is exceptionally rare.

DO make your presence known by making noise and waving your arms if you see a bear while hiking.
DO keep dogs on a leash and under control. A roaming dog might be perceived as a threat to a bear or its cubs.
DO walk away slowly if you surprise a bear nearby.
DON’T cook food near your tent or store food inside your tent. Instead, keep food in a secure vehicle or use rope to suspend it between two trees.
DON’T climb a tree, but wait in a vehicle or building for the bear to leave an area.

BEARS, LIVESTOCK AND BEEHIVES

Bears occasionally attack livestock and damage beehives.

DO protect livestock with electric fencing and move livestock into barns at night if possible.
DO reinforce beehives to prevent them from being knocked over or protect them with electric fencing.

If you see a bear, here’s how to report it to the DEEP.

Have a news tip? Email barbara.heins@patch.com. You can also post your own news, events and announcements on Patch by following these directions. Curious about how our new commenting platform, Disqus, works? Learn more about it here and start interacting with your neighbors on Patch.