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The New Canaan Police Department was on the scene, which is near downtown.
It is about 30 feet up a hemlock tree on the property of Emily and Thomas Nissley at 30 Oenoke Lane a short distance from the downtown.
It was Thomas Nissley who noticed the bear overnight, Emily Nissley said. The front light that is activated by movement went on and Nissley took a look to see why and discovered the black bear had gone past, Emily Nissley said.
"I feel sorry for the bear. I think he's hungry and thirsty, but maybe he got enough to drink from the pond," she said about the small pond on their property.
She said she wasn't scared off the bear.
"He's not after us, of course we are not being stupid," she said.
She believes it's the first time a bear has been on their property in the 19 years the couple have owned the property. The multi-acre property is enclosed by an eight-foot high deer fence and an electric fence. She's puzzled as to how the bear was able to enter the property.
"Your guess is as good as mine," she said.
It is about a quarter mile from Elm Street and Park Street, the location of Starbucks.
Here are tips on 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.
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