Be On The Lookout: Black Bear Sightings Reported In Shelton

Residents are asked to report bear sightings to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011 or online. Residents may also contact the police department. 

However, the mere presence of a bear does not necessitate its removal from the city, police said. 

DEEP's Wildlife Division offers these tips about bears: 

• If a bear is seen in your town or neighborhood, leave it alone. In most situations, if left alone and given an avenue for escape, the bear will usually wander back into more secluded areas. 
• 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. 

Residents should take the following steps to avoid conflicts and problems with black bears near their homes: 

• Bears are attracted to garbage, pet food, compost piles, fruit trees, and birdfeeders. 
• Remove birdfeeders and bird food from late March through November. 
• Eliminate food attractants by placing garbage cans inside a garage or shed. Add ammonia to trash to make it unpalatable. 
• 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. 

For more information from DEEP, click here. 

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