Miniature Horse Attacked By Black Bear: Wilton Police

WILTON, CT—A miniature horse is believed to have been recently attacked by a black bear, according to the Wilton Police Department.

On Wednesday, officers said they were called out to a home on Kellogg Drive in Wilton regarding injuries that occurred sometime overnight to a resident's small horse.

Wilton Animal Control and the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) responded to the incident location as well.

Based on the wounds, authorities on scene believe a bear is responsible for the miniature horse's injuries. The case has been forwarded to the State DEEP Wildlife division for follow-up, police said.

Below is a list of recommendations that the DEEP provides for avoiding bear interactions near a home:

• Remove bird feeders and bird food from late March through November.
• Eliminate food attractants by placing garbage cans inside a garage or shed. Add ammonia to trash to make it unpalatable.
• Clean and store grills in a garage or shed after use. (Propane cylinders should be stored outside.)
• DON'T intentionally feed bears. Bears that become accustomed to finding food near your home may become "problem" bears.
• DON'T approach or try to get closer to a bear to get a photo or video.
• DON'T leave pet food outside overnight.
• DON'T add meat or sweets to a compost pile.