Birdseed-Loving Bear Spotted On A Jaunt Around Vernon This Week

VERNON, CT — A bear has been spotted this week frolicking around the Merline Road corridor in Vernon.

One resident even captured an image of the animal Monday on a jaunt around Walker Terrace, where it stopped to snack on a bird feeder in a yard.

It then seemed to heading for the Rails-to-Trails system. There is also an extensive right of way for power lines in the area, which state environmental officials say is used by bears as a sort-of highway system.

Vernon police said they have received no panic calls about bear sightings this week, but state Department of Energy and Environmental officials consistently say it's always good to report them.

Animal control officials in Vernon alerted residents to several bear sightings in mid-April. The said calls came in about bear sightings in the Warren Avenue, Zoey Drive and Brent Drive areas.

Officials said use caution when bears are beginning to get more active in the spring.

"Bears are best if left alone," animal control officials said. "Time to stop feeding the birds, secure your trash cans, if possible bring gas grills in the garage. You can try to clean the drip pans of the grill."

Here are some bear tips from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection:

• Observe bears from distance.
• Make noise if you need to encourage them to leave your yard or to get them out of your way in outdoor settings like hiking and camping.
• If bear is seen in populated or heavily trafficked area or if the animal is acting boldly, call local police or talk to animal control officer. In case of true emergency situation call the DEEP at 860-424-3333.
• Secure garbage can lids and try to prevent access for bears.
• Clean your outdoor grill grease traps - bear love to pry them loose and lick the drippings.

Click on the DEEP's bear page for reporting guidance.
Vernon Animal Control can be reached at 860-870-3558.