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Black bears are not true hibernators but their body temperature is lowered and heart rate slowed during winter denning. In Connecticut, most bears den from late November through mid-March.
Weston Animal Control Officer Mark Harper told the Weston Forum that residents should be on the lookout for bears now that it is spring.
Residents should call Harper 203-222-2642 with any bear sightings, especially for bear that has a yellow tag in each ear, the Forum said.
According to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, bears are attracted to garbage, pet food, compost piles, fruit trees, and birdfeeders. Here are tips for residents from the state:
- 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.
Click here to read the story at the Weston Forum.
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