Several Bear Sightings Reported In Greenwich, Cops Say

GREENWICH, CT — Several bears have been spotted in northern Greenwich in recent weeks, and local police are warning residents to take precautions when seeing or dealing with the creatures.

The exact number of sightings was not disclosed, but in a post on the department's Facebook page, authorities recommend not approaching, surrounding or cornering a bear, because bears "aggressively defend themselves when they feel threatened."

In addition to northern Greenwich, several sightings also have been reported in nearby Rye Brook, NY, Greenwich police said.

Between April 2018 and April 2019, eight bear sightings were reported in Greenwich, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Additional suggestions from Greenwich police for dealing with bears include:

• Be especially cautious around cubs as mother bears are very protective.
• Never run from a bear: Stay calm, speak in a loud and calm voice, slowly back away and leave the area.
• Do not throw food or bags at an approaching bear: Doing so encourages bears to approach and "bully" people to get food. By teaching a bear to approach humans for food, you are endangering yourself, other residents, and the bears.
• Remember that most black bears prefer to avoid humans.
• Bears in your yard
• From a safe distance, make loud noises by shouting or banging pots to scare the bear away.
• Once the bear leaves, remove all attractants such as bird seed, garbage, greasy cooking grills and pet food.
• Ask neighbors to remove attractants.