DEEP investigating killing of female bear in Newtown

Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) are investigating the killing of a female bear in Newtown that occurred yesterday, Thursday, May 12.

DEEP Wildlife biologists and Environmental Conservation Officers are monitoring the situation to assess the health of the surviving bear cubs, in coordination with Newtown officials.

Presently, the bear cubs remain in the area as it is their home range, and their familiarity with the area will increase their chance of success.

We urge people to avoid feeding the bear cubs and give them space to continue learning to forage for natural food sources, free from human interference. Human interaction or feeding the cubs can greatly reduce their chance of survival and will also diminish their natural fear of people, creating potential future danger for the bears and public safety. To best assist the cubs, monitoring should be left to DEEP and local officials.  

Anyone who observes a black bear in Connecticut is encouraged to report the sighting on DEEP's website here pr email deep.wildlife@ct.gov
 
Black Bears Do's and Don'ts

Black bears are becoming increasingly common in Connecticut as the population continues to grow and expand. Reports of bear sightings, even in heavily populated residential areas, have been on the rise. The Wildlife Division has also seen an increase in the number of reported problems with black bears. The primary contributing factor to bear nuisance problems is the presence of easily-accessible food sources near homes and businesses. Fed bears can become habituated and lose their fear of humans. Bears should NEVER be fed, either intentionally or accidentally. Connecticut residents should take the following simple steps to avoid conflicts and problems with black bears:

BEARS NEAR YOUR HOME

Bears are attracted to garbage, pet food, compost piles, fruit trees, and birdfeeders.

  • DO remove birdfeeders and bird food from late March through November.
  • DO eliminate food attractants by placing garbage cans inside a garage or shed. Add ammonia to trash to make it unpalatable.
  • DO clean and store grills in a garage or shed after use. (Propane cylinders should be stored outside.)
  • DON'T 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.
  • DON'T store leftover bird seed or recyclables in a porch or screened sunroom as bears can smell these items and will rip screens to get at them
 Learn more about Black Bears in Connecticut on the DEEP website here.
R
Submitted by Redding, CT

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