Black Bear Spotted in New Canaan

A black bear was spotted in New Canaan Friday.

The bear appeared near Dear Park Road, Valley Road and the Thayer Pond area Friday, according to the New Canaan Advertiser.

A recorded phone call from New Canaan Emergency Management warned residents about the bear.

There have been nine black bear sightings between June 30, 2014 and June 25, 2015 in New Canaan, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Read the full Advertiser report here.

More from DEEP:

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.

Image via DEEP CT, not the bear spotted in New Canaan