Bear Sightings Reported In Orange: Police

ORANGE, CT — The Orange Police received calls this morning regarding bear sightings in the Northwest part of town, police said. One resident reported the bear had run through their yard (Old Coach Road), while a second called when the bear rummaged through their garbage (Bayberry Lane), police said.

These are the first reported sightings this year in Orange, however not the first time we have been visited by black bears, police said. These sightings will become more frequent, police said. Black bears are generally shy, secretive and are usually fearful of humans; however, easy sources of food such as bird feeders and garbage are often too tempting, police said.

Removing food sources, such as bird feeders and outdoor garbage cans, reduces the chance that bears will go near homes.If you see a bear, never attempt to feed it, and advertise your presence by shouting and waving your arms and walking away slowly, police said.

Bear sightings should be reported Orange Police Department at (203) 891-2130, The Orange Police will report the sighting to DEEP.

Photo: Patch file photo via the DEEP