Bear Spotted Near School In Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — A black bear and her cubs have been seen wandering around Wallingford the past few days, according to the Wallingford Animal Control. The most recent sighting was reported Tuesday morning at Moran Middle School, according to the Meriden-Record Journal.

The Record-Journal reports school officials notified parents that a bear was spotted on the perimeters of school property and all students and staff remained in the building “just to be safe.”

Animal Control officials said there is “no reason for alarm” regarding the recent bear sightings.

“We do have black bears in Connecticut and here in town, and it is uncommon that conflict occur between them and people,” the animal control wrote in a post on Facebook. “Bears, like other wildlife, DO NOT want contact with us. This bear is simply going about her business, caring for her offspring.

“However, it is our responsibility as humans and stewards of the planet to use common sense as not to put ourselves OR the bears in jeopardy.”

Officials reminded residents that the bear is “not here for conflict.”

“She is here to support her young, and they will be on their way,” officials wrote in the post. “Please appreciate them FROM AFAR, but be respectful and safe and allow them to pass through uninterrupted!

“If people out west can live safely among grizzlies, we will be just fine with our black bears, folks!”

Read more tips from the Wallingford Animal Control below:

Do not approach, harass, corner, or move into proximity of the bears. Remember, though bear attacks are EXTREMELY rare, this is a mother and she will protect her family if they are threatened.

Do not feed the bears or leave out attractants such as food garbage, pet food, bird feeders, etc. If you create a food source for the bears, they will not continue on their way, they will stay where the food is offered. WE DO NOT WANT TO CREATE HABITUATED BEARS! This increases the likelihood of conflict between them and people/pets, and that puts their lives at risk as well.

Please be smart about leaving your pets outside. Though our pets are not typically on a black bear’s menu, a mother will protect her young from charging dogs, etc.

For more information on the do’s and don’ts of living safely with bears, visit here.