Black Bear Spotted At Cranbury Park In Norwalk

NORWALK, CT — The city warns residents to keep a safe distance from black bears after one was spotted at Cranbury Park last week.

In a Facebook post, city officials said a black bear sighting was reported at the park Thursday.

The city asks visitors to the park who see a black bear not to engage with the animal and to keep a safe distance from it.

According to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the mere presence of a black bear does not necessitate its removal. In most cases, if left alone, the bear will make its way to a more natural habitat.

Black bears can detect the slightest aroma of food, which may lead the bear to campsites or homes. Removing food attractants, such as bird feeders, open garbage, outdoor pet food, or compost piles from outside your residence can reduce the chance of a bear encounter, city officials said.

In a wilderness setting, bears will usually avoid people, but having these food items can cause them to become more comfortable around humans.

The city also provided some precautions DEEP encourages residents who see a bear follow:

• Observe them from a distance.
• Never attempt to feed or attract bears.
• Never feed bears.
• Remove bird feeders from late March through November.
• Do not leave pet food outside overnight. Store livestock food in airtight containers.
• Do not put meats or sweet-smelling fruit rinds in compost piles.
• Lime can be sprinkled on the compost pile to reduce the smell and discourage bears.
• Thoroughly clean grills after use or store in a garage or shed.
• Encourage your neighbors to take similar precautions.

If a resident sees a black bear on their property, they can either leave the bear alone, wait for it to leave or make loud noises from a safe distance to attempt to scare the bear away. After the bear leaves the property, remove anything that may have attracted it to the area, city officials said.

Bear sightings can also be reported to DEEP's Wildlife Division here, or via email at deep.wildlife@ct.gov.