By Richard Kaufman
Sentinel Reporter
According to a press release from the Greenwich Police Department, there have been two separate black bear sightings in the Greenwich area over the past few days.
On Aug. 12, a North Castle police officer spotted a black bear in the area of Middle Patent Road, just north of the Connecticut state line in New York and bordering Greenwich. On Aug. 14, a contractor working at a private residence on Cat Rock Road in Greenwich reported seeing a black bear as well.
The GPD said no contact was made with the bear during either incident, and that the Greenwich Animal Control Division was advised.
According to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Connecticut residents should take the following steps to avoid problems with black bears:
- NEVER feed bears.
- Take down, clean, and put away birdfeeders by late March. Store the feeders until late fall. Clean up spilled seed from the ground.
- Store garbage in secure, airtight containers inside a garage or storage area. Double bagging and adding ammonia to cans and bags will reduce odors that attract bears. Periodically clean garbage cans with ammonia to reduce residual odor. Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection and not the night before.
- Protect beehives, livestock, and berry bushes from bears with electric fencing.
- Supervise dogs at all times when outside. Keep dogs on a leash when walking and hiking. A roaming dog might be perceived as a threat to a bear or its cubs.
- Do not leave pet food outdoors.
- Keep barbecue grills clean. Store grills inside a garage or shed.
- Avoid placing meat scraps or sweet foods in compost piles.
If you encounter a bear while hiking, make your presence known by yelling or making other loud noises. Never attempt to get closer to a bear to take a photo or video. If a bear does not retreat, slowly leave the area and find an alternate hiking route. If the bear persists, be offensive towards the bear – make loud noises, wave your arms, and throw sticks or rocks. While camping, keep a clean campsite, and make sure food and garbage are secured (for example, keep food in a cooler stored in the trunk of a car and never have food in your tent).
Greenwich residents are urged to report any black bear sightings to the GPD, DEEP’s website, or by calling the Wildlife Division.
