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Danbury Warns Residents Of Bear Sightings In The City

DANBURY, Conn. — Mayor Mark Boughton was warning residents Thursday of a number of bear sightings in the city.

Bear sightings are on the rise across Connecticut, even in urban areas.

Bear sightings are on the rise across Connecticut, even in urban areas.

 Photo Credit: File
Daily Voice

Boughton told WLAD.com that there were five or six bears roaming around Danbury. Sightings were reported in the Chambers Road area near Candlewood Lake and the Morris Street/Highland Avenue area, said WLAD.com.

"Bottom line? Common sense prevails. Stay away from them, don't feed them, take in your bird feeder, and garbage," he posted on Facebook. 

The City of Danbury reminded residents of tips of dealing with bears near your home from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection:

  • Bears are attracted to the 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.
  • 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.

Black bears are becoming increasingly common in Connecticut as the population continues to grow and expand, the state said. Bear sightings, even in heavily populated residential areas, areon the rise. 

If a bear is seen in your town or neighborhood, leave it alone, DEEP said. In most situations, if left alone and given a means of escape, the bear will usually wander back into more secluded areas. Keep dogs under control, and stay away from the bear and advise others to do the same. 

Do not approach the bear to take photos or video. Often a bear will climb a tree to avoid people. A crowd of bystanders will only stress the bear and also add the risk that the bear will be chased into traffic or the crowd of people.

If a bear is in a densely populated area, contact the DEEP Wildlife Division 860-424-3011 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or DEEP Dispatch at 860-424-3333, 24/7 to report the sighting and obtain advice. 

Click here to read the story at the WLAD website.

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