Black Bear Sightings Reported In Westport: Police

WESTPORT, CT — A black bear was spotted in multiple locations, primarily in the northern area of town, on Sunday and residents are reminded to take precautions to prevent negative encounters with bears, according to police.

In a news release Tuesday, Police Lt. David Wolf said the bear was first reported near Weathervane Hill, then by Earthplace off Woodside Lane.

Later that day, the bear was spotted at the Westport Weston Family YMCA, which is located on Allen Raymond Lane. There were also sightings on Weston Road in the early evening, Wolf said.

According to Wolf, Westport Animal Control believes it was the same bear at all four locations. The bear did not behave in an aggressive manner and seemed to be acting normally, Wolf said.

"Black bears are becoming increasingly common in Connecticut," Wolf said in a release. "In order to safely coexist, residents are reminded to take precautions to prevent negative encounters with bears."

Wolf advised residents to prevent luring bears toward their property by securing garbage in sturdy covered containers in a garage or outbuilding. Residents who compost are asked to do so responsibly, Wolf said.

"Do not throw meat scraps or greasy, oily or sweet materials in your compost pile," Wolf said. "These kinds of foods will attract bears and other animals. Clean barbecues and grills after each use, refrain from leaving pet food outdoors and remove bird feeders from your property for the summer."

Residents are also urged to keep their eyes on pets and small children playing outside.

"While it can be frightening to see a bear on or around your property, it is important to know that they are very timid animals and thus try to avoid human contact," Wolf said. "If sighted, use caution and do not approach the bear. The mere presence of a bear does not necessitate its removal."

According to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, a bear will usually wander back into more secluded areas if left alone and given an avenue for escape.

Any bear sightings can be reported to Westport Animal Control at 203-341-5076 or reported to DEEP here. More information on bears can be found on the DEEP website.