Bears Sighted in Branford, Residents Warned Not to Take Selfies with Them

BRANFORD, CT- Sporadic up until this week, bear sightings in Branford have become more and more frequent, The Branford Eagle reported.

Bears have recently been spotted along Alps Road/Burban Drive/RobyCourt/Florence Road (Saturday morning), Palmer Wood Circle and in the vicinity of Fire Headquarters, Lake Saltonsall, and Mill Plain/Short Rocks Roads, the Branford Eagle reported. The growing presence of bears in the area have prompted officials to issue warnings of what is and is not acceptable when confronted by the creature, with one foremost warning being that people should not attempt to take photos or selfies with them.

According to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection website, the primary contributing factor to bear nuisance problems is the presence of easily-accessible food sources near homes and businesses. Bears’ main food sources are fruits, nuts, seeds and plants, all of which are easily found in people’s yards or gardens.

Bears should also never be fed, either intentionally or accidentally. Fed bears can become habituated and lose their fear of humans.

The DEEP website lists a number of things to do and not do when dealing with bears in the area, including:

• DO remove birdfeeders and bird food from late March through November.
• DO eliminate food attractants by placing garbage cans inside a garage or shed. Add ammonia to trash to make it unpalatable.
• DO clean and store grills in a garage or shed after use.
• DON'T intentionally feed bears. Bears that become accustomed to finding food near your home may become "problem" bears.
• DON'T approach or try to get closer to a bear to get a photo or video.
• DON'T leave pet food outside overnight.
• DON'T add meat or sweets to a compost pile.

Bears also occasionally attack livestock like chickens, which can be prevented with livestock and barns. It is also unwise to leave pets outside alone, especially during dawn and dusk when bears are typically seen.

DEEP also mentions that bears do not want conflict, usually climbing up trees to avoid people, and will move to secluded areas if left alone. If you come in contact with one, it is wise to move away from it and let it pass by as a crowd of bystanders will only stress the animal.

If a bear is found in a densely populated area, it is wise to contact DEEP. While the mere presence of a bear does not necessitate its removal, however they will be if it seems the bear is unlikely to leave the area.

Visit the DEEP website for more information.

Image via Branford Police Department Facebook page.