Tree-Climbing Bear Makes Presence Known In West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A young black bear with a case of Ursidae insomnia has yet to begin his long winter's nap in West Hartford.

In fact, he's been seen high above Quaker Lane in a tree and within the Flatbush, Sidney, and Edgmont areas of town, according to West Hartford Animal Control.

Thursday, the town's animal control department posted an image of the bear silhouetted high up in the tree on social media.

For now, local animal control officials say the public is not in danger, but they're urging caution in those areas.

"There is no immediate threat to the public," wrote the town's animal control department.
"Animal control is getting inundated with calls for this particular bear. Just be 'bear aware.' Do not run up to the tree to take pictures, if the bear is coming down, give it space, it does not want anything but to be left alone."

Animal control officials said it will come down eventually when it becomes quiet in the area.

Meanwhile, the town is telling folks there are some steps they can do to keep the bear (or others) at bay.

"Please make sure all of your trash/recycling is put into a garage or shed. If that is not possible, spray in and around the cans with a bleach product," wrote the town.

Residents are also asked to make sure there are no birdfeeders out, which can attract bears, especially this time of year.

For more information about bears, go to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection website at this link or call 860-424-3333.