Animal 411

Firefighters Free Young Deer Stuck in Fence on Greenley Road

By |

Emergency responders on Thursday morning freed a young deer that had become stuck in a metal fence on Greenley Road. Shortly before 9 a.m., a call came into New Canaan Police Department Animal Control about the yearling’s situation—the female deer had tried to get through a 10-foot-high metal fence and got stuck halfway. Animal Control Officer Maryann Kleinschmitt said the yearling had scraped off much of its own fur trying to get loose, but could not. “She got herself stuck there and there was no way I could get her free. I’m not strong enough,” Kleinschmitt said.

Animal 411

‘It Was a Miracle’: Missing for 10 Days, Westport Cat Turns Up in Waveny

By |

Anjel the cat came into Anne Collins’ life at a critical time. It was four years ago, and the recently divorced 41-year-old had returned to the East Coast, to her native Richmond, Va. A market research software professional, Collins was still finding her feet when she moved up to Long Island City, N.Y. and met the Russian blue cat, just two at the time and belonging to her new roommate. Collins bonded with the animal and in February, when she moved up to Westport for a job, Anjel came with her. “He’s very shy at first, but very affectionate—that’s the reason he’s named Anjel,” Collins said of her cat, who is about seven years old.

Animal 411

Police: Black Bear Spotted Thursday Near Weed Street in New Canaan

By |

A black bear was seen at about 9:30 a.m. Thursday in the area of 176 Weed St., police say. Four residents of the area saw the bear and the animal now likely will travel to the area of Ponus Ridge or Spring Water Lane, according to New Canaan Police Department Animal Control Officer Maryann Kleinschmitt. “We don’t know it’s age or size yet,” she said. Kleinschmitt added: “The last one we had was two years ago. It’s pretty cyclical.”

Asked what residents should do if they spot the bear, Kleinschmitt said to do nothing, continue talking and don’t chase or run away away from them.

Animal 411

Officials: Increasing Number of Bow Hunters in New Canaan for Deer Season

By |

Officials expect New Canaan this fall and winter to top the 50 deer hunters who checked in last season with local police for placement on private properties in town to kill the animals with bow and arrow. Though the hunters don’t need to register with the town, many contact the Animal Control ahead of the Sept. 15 to Dec. 31 bow hunting season, because officers there know which private property owners are seeking to reduce the number of deer on their land. Like much of the state, Animal Control Officer Maryann Kleinschmitt said, New Canaan has seen an increase in the number of archers that come here to hunt deer.

Animal 411

New Canaan Dog in Quarantine after Scratching Woman on Heritage Hill Road

By |

A New Canaan golden retriever mix is in quarantine at a local vet through Saturday after biting a woman who had picked up her own, smaller dog while walking on Heritage Hill Road, police say. It happened at about 1:47 p.m. on Sept. 16, a Tuesday. The 4-year-old golden retriever ripped the leash out of its owner’s hand and made for a Chihuahua mix, according to a police report. The smaller dog’s owner picked it up and the golden mix scratched her, ripping her pants and breaking her skin “pretty severely with scratches,” Animal Control Officer Maryann Kleinschmitt said.