Black Bear Tranquilized in West Hartford

A young black bear was safely tranquilized on Newport Road in West Hartford on Wednesday with the help of the West Hartford Police Department, West Hartford Animal Control and the CT DEEP Wildlife Division.

The animal control shared photos of the bear on its Facebook page and said that the bear pictured in the truck is just sedated and is alive.

The bear was transported to a more appropriate location nearby, according to the animal control.

The animal control also posted some bear advice to “keep the bears and people of West Hartford safe.”

From the CT DEEP Wildlife Division:

“In recent years, a resident population has become established in Connecticut. Bears have also wandered into heavily populated residential areas. Connecticut residents need to learn more about bears and how to reduce the likelihood of bears becoming a problem.

*BEARS NEAR YOUR HOME

*Bears are attracted to the garbage, pet food, compost piles, fruit trees and bird feeders around houses.

*DO remove bird feeders 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.

Do report bear sightings

Report a Black Bear Sighting to the CT DEEP at 860-424-3333.

Experience has shown that a single wandering bear can be responsible for numerous sightings reported to the Wildlife Division. Experience has also shown that, given an avenue for escape, bears will usually wander back into more secluded areas. People should not feed bears, either intentionally or unintentionally. Bears that associate food with people become problem bears that will not be tolerated by all property owners. Connecticut has the habitat to support more bears; however, the future of Connecticut’s bear population depends on the actions and attitudes of the human population.

The probability of a bear attacking a human is exceptionally low. Therefore, the mere presence of a bear does not necessitate its removal. However, the department may attempt to remove bears from urban locations when there is little likelihood that they will leave on their own and when they are in positions where darting is feasible. The department attempts to monitor bear activity in developed areas in coordination with local public safety officials. Coordination and cooperation with officials on the scene and local police officials is a key, critical ingredient in educating the public and assuring a safe, desirable outcome in such a situation.”

-CT DEEP Wildlife Division

Photos via West Hartford Animal Control on Facebook