WEST HARTFORD – The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is trying to catch a bear that broke into a West Hartford home twice last week.
The first incident occurred on July 25. When the resident reported the incident, an animal control officer told them to contact DEEP and keep the main gates locked for a week, DEEP spokesman Will Healey said Monday in a e-mail.
But then the bear returned six days later, on July 31. The bear pushed open a screen door to get in, and the owner had to chase the animal, according to Healey.
“DEEP will set a trap in the area to capture and aversively condition the bear,” Healey said. “If you’ve had a bear on your deck or around your garage, don’t leave doors and windows open for several weeks so the bear doesn’t have easy access.”
Healey advised that the main factor contributing to the problems is the presence of easily accessible food sources near homes and businesses. Black bears that consume foods they associate with humans, such as birds, trash, and pet food, are comfortable around people.
“As the bear population continues to grow and expand its range in Connecticut, and bears become increasingly dependent on food, conflicts with humans will continue to increase,” he warned. “Food-conditioned bears pose a greater risk to public safety and often cause more property damage to homes, cars, pets and livestock.”
Healey suggested that residents make their homes and businesses a “no-food zone” by removing easily accessible food sources. This could include storing trash in secure containers inside a garage, keeping barbecue grills clean, and avoiding placing leftover meat, fruit, or fruit skins in compost piles.
Pet owners are advised to supervise their pets when outside and never feed their pets outdoors. Owners should also not leave pet food outside.
Residents should also never feed bears, intentionally or accidentally.
If you see a bear in your yard, DEEP says don’t approach it.
“Go into your house, garage or other structure,” Healey said. “If the bear approaches persistently, it goes on the offensive: yelling, waving its arms and throwing sticks or rocks.”
To report a black bear sighting, visit portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Bears/The-Basics-of-Living-with-Black-Bears.