Black Bear Sightings Reported in and Near Greenwich

Bear paw prints at Augustine’s Farm in Jun 2015. File photo

On Saturday Aug 12, a North Castle, NY police officer observed a black bear in the area of Middle Patent Road, which is just north of the border with Connecticut.

Then, on Monday, Aug 14, a contractor working at a private residence on Cat Rock Rd in Greenwich reported seeing a black bear.

According to Greenwich Police, there was no contact made with the bear.

Greenwich Animal Control urge that if anyone sees a bear to avoid contact.

In the rare instance when a bear appears to be aggressive toward people, residents should immediately contact the DEEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011 (Mon-Fri from 8:30am-4:30pm) or the DEEP’s 24-hour dispatch line (860-424-3333) during weekends and non-business hours.

More information on dealing with bears is available on the DEEP website.

Some tips to avoid problems with black bears include:

1. NEVER feed bears.
2. Take down, clean, and put away birdfeeders by late March. Store the feeders until late fall. Clean up spilled seed from the ground.
3. Store garbage in secure, airtight containers inside a garage or storage area. Double bagging and adding ammonia to cans and bags will reduce odors that attract bears. Periodically clean garbage cans with ammonia to reduce residual odor. Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection and not the night before.
4. Protect beehives, livestock, and berry bushes from bears with electric fencing.
5. Supervise dogs at all times when outside. Keep dogs on a leash when walking and hiking. A roaming dog might be perceived as a threat to a bear or its cubs.
6. Do not leave pet food outdoors.
7. Keep barbecue grills clean. Store grills inside a garage or shed.
8. Avoid placing meat scraps or sweet foods in compost piles.

The DEEP advised that if you encounter a bear while hiking, make your presence known by yelling or making other loud noises.

Never attempt to get closer to a bear to take a photo or video.

If a bear does not retreat, slowly leave the area and find an alternate hiking route.

If the bear persists, be offensive towards the bear – make loud noises, wave your arms, and throw sticks or rocks.

While camping, keep a clean campsite, and make sure food and garbage are secured (for example, keep food in a cooler stored in the trunk of a car and never have food in your tent).

In the rare instance when a bear appears to be aggressive toward people, residents should immediately contact the DEEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011 (Mon-Fri from 8:30am-4:30pm) or the DEEP’s 24-hour dispatch line (860-424-3333) during weekends and non-business hours.