A black bear was seen Tuesday night on an eastern New Canaan property that had already seen a bear on it this year.
In March, a bear was seen on Ludlowe Road, apparently attracted to a bird feeder, officials have said.
Black bear photographed Nov. 27, 2023 on Ludlowe Road. Published with permission from its owner
On Nov. 27, a black bear was photographed at the same residence—the first reported sighting in New Canaan since a bear was seen in Irwin Park in August. A bear and four cubs also had been spotted on Valley Road in June.
Officials with the Animal Control section of the New Canaan Police Department have issued these tips on coexisting with black bears:
- Do not hang bird feeders on porches, decks or patios.
- Take bird feeders in at dusk.
- Keep garbage cans in the garage or locked shed and only put garbage out the morning of pick up
The number of black bears appearing in New Canaan each year has been rising in recent years, Animal Control has said.
Black bears typically breed in late June or early July, according to the state. During that time, males travel extensively in search of females. In New Canaan, bear sightings are reported to police all throughout town. “Young are born in the den in late December through early January and are blind, toothless, and covered with fine hair,” according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. “Cubs weigh 6 to 12 ounces at birth, about the size of a can of soda. Litter sizes range from 1 to 5 cubs, with litters of 2 or 3 being most common in Connecticut. After giving birth, the sow usually continues her winter rest while the cubs are awake and nursing. Only females rear the young, which typically remain with the female until the second spring of their lives. Then, the young bears (yearlings), especially the males, may travel great distances in search of their own territories. Yearling females frequently settle near their mother’s home range. Young bears are often forced into less preferred habitat.”
Bear sightings should be reported to New Canaan Animal Control and via the DEEP website.