Black Bear Spotted In Norwalk: PD

NORWALK, CT — Police said a young black bear was spotted Thursday morning in the area of East Rocks Road. They also provided photos of the animal within close proximity to a house via Twitter.

The animal was spotted just a day after Westport Police said a black bear had been seen in Westport on a North Avenue resident's property, however it is unclear if this was the same bear.

See also: Black Bear Spotted On Westport Resident's Property: PD

According to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), black bears are typically shy and fearful of humans, however they can lose their fear of humans if they regularly find food near houses and areas of human activity. Unlike grizzly bears, black bears are rarely aggressive toward humans.

Bears are typically attracted by bird feeders, garbage, outdoor pet food, compost piles, fruit trees and berry-producing shrubs.

Here are some tips to avoid attracting bears, according to DEEP:

• Remove bird feeders from late March through November. If a bear visits a bird feeder in winter, remove the feeder.
• Wait until the morning of collection before bringing out trash. Add a few capfuls of ammonia to trash bags and garbage cans to mask food odors. Keep trash bags in a container with a tight lid and store in a garage or shed.
• Do not leave pet food outside overnight. Store livestock food in airtight containers.
• Do not put meats or sweet-smelling fruit rinds in compost piles. Lime can be sprinkled on the compost pile to reduce the smell and discourage bears.
• Thoroughly clean grills after use or store in a garage or shed.
• Never intentionally feed bears. Bears that associate food with people may become aggressive and dangerous. This may lead to personal injury, property damage and the need to destroy problem animals.
• Encourage your neighbors to take similar precautions.

Westport Police warned residents to use caution if they see a bear and not to approach the animal. If left alone and given an avenue for escape, a bear will typically wander back into more secluded areas, according to DEEP.

For more information on bears, please visit the DEEP website.