With Bear Sightings Tops in Avon, DEEP Offers a Few Tips

AVON, CT - With Avon leading the way in bear sightings across the state and with the weather forecast calling for a pleasant weekend, who knows when folks might have a close encounter.

So, if someone happens to come across a bear, officials from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection offer a few tips on what to do.

Here they are:

• Observe bears from distance.
• Make noise if you need to encourage them to leave your yard or to get them out of your way in outdoor settings like hiking and camping.
• If bear is seen in populated or heavily trafficked area or if the animal is acting boldly, call local police or talk to animal control officer. In case of true emergency situation call DEEP at 860-424-3333.
• Secure garbage can lids and try to prevent access for bears.
• Clean your outdoor grill grease traps - bear love to pry them loose and lick the drippings.

In the past year, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says there have been 4,674 bear sightings in Connecticut. For a breakdown from most to least sightings click here.

Click here for the DEEP's bear page.

Avon leads the way with 439.

A bear recently attacked a goat at a private home in Ellington.

Photo Credit: Paul Fusco/CT DEEP-Wildlife