Bears Seen Digging Through Garbage Cans In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — Two bears that were seen digging through trash cans in Fairfield number among a slew of recent sightings in town, according to officials.

On Friday alone, two cubs and a mother were spotted in the 1400 block of Merwins Lane and an adult bear was reported in the 300 block of Hemlock Hills Road North, in addition to the two bears seen going through trash in the 1700 block of Cross Highway, according to Animal Control Officer Paul Miller. Also on Friday, a bear broke a bird feeder on Stonewall Lane, News12 reported.

“All bears have been feeding off bird feeders if available,” Miller said in an email, noting more reported bear sightings followed throughout the weekend.

A bear repeatedly seen Thursday in Greenfield Hill is believed to be the same animal that crossed through multiple residential properties Wednesday in northern Westport, putting its paw on a man and entering an empty sun porch.

There have been 26 recent bear sightings in Fairfield, according to a map maintained by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

“The bear population is healthy and increasing in Connecticut and sightings have become more common,” according to the department website. “Bears spend time in neighborhoods because food sources are abundant and easy to access (bird feeders, garbage, open compost, grills, etc.) They will readily use these food sources and revisit the same location over and over again. Bears that are attracted to human-associated food sources may lose their fear of people.”

To avoid drawing bears, residents should minimize access to bird feeders, pet food, garbage, compost, grills, and fruit bushes or trees, according to Fairfield Animal Control. People should not approach bears or try to feed them, and should instead make noise from a safe distance in order to scare the animals into a wooded area.

Anyone who sees a bear in Fairfield can contact animal control at 203-254-4857. If the animal is behaving aggressively or refusing to leave a residential area, people should call the police department at 203-254-4800.

For more information, visit portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Nuisance-Wildlife/Living-with-Black-Bears.