Police say a bear was sighted Thursday morning in New Canaan, crossing Route 123 into the area of Hoyt Farm Road.
According to Animal Control Officer Maryann Kleinschmitt, the bear was spotted around 7:30 a.m. and has not been seen since.
Police patrolled the area and alerted people walking their dogs, jogging and working outdoors, officials said, and the sighting additionally was reported to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
New Canaan in recent years has seen two or three black bear sightings per year, including this year in late June on Thayer Pond Road, in April on Marvin Ridge Road and last October on Weed Street.
The animals are increasing in numbers and have been seen more frequently in Connecticut, according to a state bulletin distributed by New Canaan Police Chief Leon Krolikowski and the department’s Animal Control Unit.
“They are rarely aggressive toward humans but can create a variety of problems,” according to the DEEP’s Bureau of Natural Resources Wildlife Division. “In particular, bears that are fed by humans can become habituated and may need to be euthanized. Connecticut residents must learn how to reduce the likelihood of bears becoming a problem. Birdfeeders, garbage, pet food and compost attract bears close to houses and people, and should be made unavailable to bears.”
Here are some black bear “Do’s and Don’ts” from the state:
https://newcanaanite.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/BearAwarePosterMed-1.pdf