By Jaimie Cura (Patch staff)

Connecticut’s bear population is growing and expanding and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection urges residents to be good stewards for the bears.

“If you genuinely care about bears, you should never feed them – either intentionally or unintentionally,” said Susan Whalen, DEEP Deputy Commissioner. “Bears can become habituated and lose their fear of humans when they are attracted close to homes by easily-accessible food sources. This results in more contact between people and bears – which creates public safety issues for people and the greater likelihood of bears engaging in behavior that can lead to their euthanization.”

Activity from black bears in Connecticut begins to increase in early spring. The DEEP wants residents to reduce contact and therefore reduce the potential of any conflict with the animals.

A Tagged Bear Is Not a Problem Bear

A common misconception is that a tagged bear is a problem bear, and a bear with two ear tags was caught on two different occasions because it was causing problems, the DEEP staff note.

“Actually, every bear receives two ear tags (one in each ear) the first time it is handled by DEEP,” staff said. “Most tagged bears have not been caught as problem bears, but rather as part of a project researching the state’s population.”

How to Avoid Conflict With Bears

• Never feed bears.
• Take down, clean, and put away birdfeeders by late March.
• Store the feeders until late fall.
• Clean up spilled seed from the ground.
• Store garbage in secure, airtight containers inside a garage or storage area.
• Double bagging and adding ammonia to cans and bags will reduce odors that attract bears.
• Periodically clean garbage cans with ammonia to reduce residual odor.
• Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection and not the night before.
• Protect beehives, livestock, and berry bushes from bears with electric fencing.
• Supervise dogs at all times when outside.
• Keep dogs on a leash when walking and hiking. A roaming dog might be perceived as a threat to a bear or its cubs.
• Do not leave pet food outdoors.
• Keep barbecue grills clean. Store grills inside a garage or shed.
• Avoid placing meat scraps or sweet foods in compost piles.

What to Do If You Encounter a Bear While Hiking or Camping

• Make your presence known by yelling or making other loud noises.
• Never attempt to get closer to a bear to take a photo or video.
• If a bear does not retreat, slowly leave the area and find an alternate hiking route.
• If the bear persists, be offensive towards the bear – make loud noises, wave your arms, and throw sticks or rocks.
• While camping, keep a clean campsite, and make sure food and garbage are secured (for example, keep food in a cooler stored in the trunk of a car and never have food in your tent).

If a Bear is Aggressive Toward People

The DEEP notes that it is rare for a bear to be aggressive toward people but if you observe such aggression, they ask that you immediately contact the DEEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011 or the DEEP’s 24-hour dispatch line (860-424-3333) during weekends and non-business hours.

Even if a bear is not aggressive, the DEEP said reporting sightings is still helpful.

“Bear sightings reported by the public provide valuable information to assist the DEEP Wildlife Division in monitoring the black bear population,” DEEP officials said. “Information on the presence or absence of ear tags, including tag color, letters, and numbering, is particularly valuable.”

Anyone who observes a black bear in Connecticut is asked to report the sighting on the DEEP’s website or to call the Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011 or the DEEP’s 24-hour dispatch line (860-424-3333) during weekends and non-business hours.

For more information on black bears in Connecticut, click here.

Photo Credit: Paul J. Fusco/DEEP Wildlife Division