Bear Spotted In New Canaan With 4 Cubs: Animal Control

NEW CANAAN, CT — A bear was spotted roaming around New Canaan with four cubs Thursday afternoon, according to New Canaan Animal Control.

In an email, Animal Control Officer Allyson Halm said the bears were spotted on lower Valley Road around 4 p.m.

According to Animal Control Officer Sean Godejohn, this is the ninth bear sighting to be reported in New Canaan this year. The last bear sighting in town was reported March 24.

Godejohn also noted four is an unusually high litter number for a bear to be traveling with.

"It's rare to see a mom with cubs," Godejohn said to Patch. "We have had approximately three sightings of a mom with cubs in four years...a mom bear will be much more aggressive when traveling with her cubs, especially if approached. Interactions with bears in any capacity should be avoided."

Bear damage was also reported in the Thayer Pond Road area Friday morning, including knocked over and bent bird feeders, Godejohn said.

Halm said residents should be aware that bears will be roaming through New Canaan routinely. She also noted bears will avoid conflict with humans, however they will venture closer to homes in search of food.

Bears are attracted to garbage cans, bird feeders, chickens, compost, gardens, bee hives and many more food sources, Halm said. She recommended residents have hazing tools at the ready.

"Good deterrents would include secure trash cans in a garage or shed and hiding food items," Godejohn said. "Good hazing tools would include bear spray, air horn, noise makers and to be loud and large."

Bear sightings should be reported to New Canaan Animal Control and through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection website.