WOLCOTT — A black bear sighting has been confirmed by DEEP according to the Wolcott Dog Pound.
The bear, named Captain Jack, was caught on camera damaging a man-made bee hive on Spindle Hill Road.
The Wolcott Dog Pound is warning locals on Facebook about the bear, telling people not to seek out, feed or approach the bear.
“They are awake and hungry after a long winter so please just respect the bear’s space and remember we all need to co-exist,” the Facebook post read. “Admire from afar!”
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s website lists 7 reports of black bears from April 8, 2014 through March 25, 2015. In that time frame DEEP lists 4,261 reports of black bear sightings state-wide. The town with the most reports is Farmington at 433. Avon is a close second at 429 black bear reports.
DEEP suggests homeowners remove bird feeders from now until late November to prevent attracting bears. They also suggest placing garbage cans in a garage or shed and adding ammonia to trash to make it “unpalatable.”
If you encounter a bear:
- Make your presence known by making noise and waving your arms if you see a bear while hiking.
- Keep dogs on a leash and under control. A roaming dog might be perceived as a threat to a bear or its cubs.
- Walk away slowly if you surprise a bear nearby.
- DON’T cook food near your tent or store food inside your tent. Instead, keep food in a secure vehicle or use rope to suspend it between two trees.
- DON’T climb a tree, but wait in a vehicle or building for the bear to leave an area.
