By Kathy Brown.
(June 7, 2021) — There have been quite a few bear sightings in Killingworth recently according to posts on the Facebook page “Killingworth Stompin’ Ground.” A bear with tag number 041 was photographed by Deborah Churchill in Killingworth on Saturday. “When I first saw him [by the porch door] I opened the door thinking that it was my shepherd; quite a surprise,” said Deborah. “Checking our security cameras, he came up the stairs on my deck, ate the lettuce in my deck garden, left the kale, and went straight to the bird feeder. He climbed the railing and ‘carefully’ lifted it down. Subsequently, he curled up against the door and took a nap for over thirty minutes.”
“When he saw my dog he came walking over, put his nose and paw against the glass as if to inquire, then they just stood there staring at each other,” continued Deborah. “The bear then turned around, got a drink of water from the bowl of water on the deck and lay down to go back to sleep.”
And finally, Deborah said, “Bears prefer natural, wild food unless it is difficult to find and human food is too easy to get. Be vigilant of bear attractants on your property; such as bird feed, pet food, fruit trees/berry bushes, bee hives, barbecue grease and compost. These are the things that will attract a bear. Fresh fruit on trees and bushes are enticing so don’t be surprised if a bear visits your garden when the fruit is ripe and fragrant. Using electric fencing around bee hives and gardens is inexpensive and is a great deterrent. Awareness is the beginning of the solution. Thanks everyone.”
Felicity Doyle saw this bear just south of Haddam Killingworth Middle School on June 5, 2021. It was “helping itself to someone’s garbage.”
From the CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, here is advice on what to do about a bear near your home:
According to the DEEP, “The bear population is healthy and increasing in Connecticut and sightings have become more common. Bears spend time in neighborhoods because food sources are abundant and easy to access (birdfeeders, garbage, open compost, grills, etc.).”
Bears should NEVER be fed, either intentionally or accidentally. Connecticut residents should take the following simple steps to avoid conflicts and problems with black bears: Bears are attracted to garbage, pet food, compost piles, fruit trees, and birdfeeders.
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. (Propane cylinders should be stored outside.)
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.
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. Keep dogs under control. Stay away from the bear and advise others to do the same. Do not approach the bear so as to take a photo or video. Often a bear will climb a tree to avoid people. A crowd of bystanders will only stress the bear and also add the risk that the bear will be chased into traffic or the crowd of people.
To report a Black Bear sighting, please go to the DEEP website.
