What to Do if You See Vernon's Resident Bear

VERNON, CT - With a black bear wandering around town, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is offering a few tips on what to do if an encounter takes place.

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.

Vernon's bear was first reported the local animal control officers on June 9, but some residents said they have reported seeing it to state officials as early as June 2. It has been seen regularly along the Route 30 corridor from center of town to Dobson Road.

An animal control officer said one was seen in a local yard, drinking drippings from a grill grease trap, "like a beer."

Click here for some sighting accounts.

A bear recently attacked a goat at a private home in Ellington.
Photo Credit: Vernon Greenways via Vernon Animal Control, Paul Fusco/CT DEEP-Wildlife