Black Bear Spotted On Westport Resident's Property: PD

WESTPORT, CT — Police said they received a report of a black bear on a North Avenue resident's property Wednesday morning at approximately 8:30 a.m. Officers subsequently tracked the bear to the area of 300 North Avenue and Tuck Lane.

According to a press release, the bear was not acting aggressive and appeared to be acting normally. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Wildlife Division (DEEP) was then notified.

"Black bears are becoming increasingly common in Connecticut," Lieutenant Jillian Cabana said in a release. "In order to safely co-exist, residents are reminded to take precautions to prevent negative encounters with bears and nuisance behavior."

According to Cabana, bears have an incredible sense of smell. Residents can prevent luring them towards their property by securing garbage in sturdy covered containers in a garage. Residents that compost are also asked to do so responsibly by not throwing meat scraps or greasy, oily or sweet materials in compost piles, as they attract bears and other animals.

"Clean greasy barbecues and grills after each use, refrain from leaving pet food outdoors and remove bird feeders from your property for the summer," Cabana said. "Please keep your eye on pets and small children playing outside."

Police also warn residents to use caution if they see a bear and not to approach the animal. The mere presence of a bear does not necessitate its removal. If left alone and given an avenue for escape, the bear will usually wander back into more secluded areas, according to DEEP.

Sightings can be reported to Westport Animal Control at (203) 341-5076. For more information on bears, please visit the DEEP website.