No Kidding: CT Residents Reminded Not to Take Selfies with Bears

There have been several bear sightings in Branford last week, which promoted animal control officials there to issue a warning that people should not attempt to take photos or selfies with them, the Branford Eagle reported.

Laura Burban, director of the Cosgrove Animal Shelter, told the Branford Eagle “I know people are excited. But do not approach them or try to take selfies.”

Message delivered. According to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection there have been 5,529 bear sightings in the past year in Connecticut and just 23 in Branford.

At the top of the heap is Avon with 556, Farmington, 432, Simsbury, 271, Canton, 254, Southbury, 202, West Hartford, 199, Woodbury, 157, Granby, 142, Middlebury, 108, and Newtown, 105.

• To view a town-by-town look at bear sightings in Connecticut click here.

Besides reminding residents not to take selfies, the state DEEP offers numerous safety tips when dealing with bears.

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.