Black Bear Sightings Reported in Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – A black bear might be on the prowl in northern Fairfield.

Police have received two reports of black bear sightings in town over the past 24 hours. The first report came from Burr Street at 8:15 p.m. Thursday. Local residents said they saw a black bear cross the street and walk onto the back lawn of 3025 Burr. The Fairfielder at that address reportedly chased the animal off his property and the animal was gone before Fairfield Police arrived.

A second report came at about 8:30 a.m. Friday. A bus driver for First Student called to report seeing a black bear at the intersection of Gilbert Highway and Westport Turnpike. The animal was again gone when police arrived.

Last Thursday Department of Energy and Environmental Protection officials captured a black bear in Greenwich. That bear was released to an undisclosed location upstate, according to state officials.

Black bears are attracted to food sources, experts said. State officials advise residents to follow a few simple steps to prevent human/bear conflicts:

• Remove bird feeders and bird food from accessible areas from late March through November.
• Store your garbage in secure containers. Dumpsters should also be bear secure. Adding ammonia to the garbage can will make it unpalatable.
• Store and clean grills after use.
• Don’t intentionally feed bears or any wildlife.
• Don’t leave pet food outdoors overnight.
• Don’t add meat or sweets to your compost pile.

If you do see a bear:

• Make your presence known by waving your arms if you see a bear while hiking.
• Walk away slowly if you surprise a bear nearby.
• Don’t approach bear cubs as the mother may be nearby.
• Report any black bear sightings in Greenwich to both the CT DEEP at 860-424-3333 or online and the Fairfield Police at 203-254-4800.

 

 

 

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