Connecticut's bear population continues to grow, and more sightings have occurred in residential areas. Usually, the bears return to more natural habitats on their own.
What can you do to reduce the chance that a bear will come near your residence? Here are tips:
- Remove food attractants
- Install an electric fence
- Blow an air horn if you see one approaching
- Use ammonia or cider vinegar-soaked cloth in trash cans or hang them on doors and windows
Anyone who observes a black bear in Connecticut should report it to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Their staff members have marked some bears with ear tags and GPS collars as part of DEEP Wildlife Division research.