Black Bear Sightings in Greenwich: Prevention is the only effective, long-term solution for human-bear conflicts

The Connecticut DEEP has useful information about living with black bears.

Here in Greenwich where numerous photos and stories about black bears are shared on social media, a reader noted there have been a number of sightings both on Pecksland Rd and Round Hill Rd this fall.

“The bears are huge (300 lbs perhaps) and taking down bird feeders that should be put away this time of year, going after people’s grills, garbage cans left outdoors, and scaring residents at night by scaling walls into their property and getting too close to their homes and dogs. People are scared for their safety and the safety of their animals,” the reader wrote to GFP.

“People love their bird feeders, but it’s not fair to attract bears to a neighborhood just because one insists on feeding birds because they love bird watching. Birds live in the wild and can take care of themselves as far as food is concerned.”

Lastly, she added that in back country, residents put out both little and big pumpkins to decorate their stone walls, front door entranceways (porches or not), and around their mailboxes for Halloween, but that is also problematic.

“It used to be squirrels you’d worry about eating your pumpkins and leaving a mess to clean up, but with bears now populating and coming further south by us to live, now we have bears joining the pumpkin feast.”

Note: Holly Hill Resource Recovery Facility in Greenwich accepts pumpkins for composting, and they should be brought to the designated drop-off area near the yard waste section.

Below is a CT DEEP link that emphasizes that prevention is the only effective, long-term solution for human-bear conflicts.

From CT Deep: Bears Near Your Home

Bears are attracted to garbage, pet food, compost piles, fruit trees, and birdfeeders. Make your place a “No-Bear-Food-Zone.”

1. NEVER feed bears, intentionally or accidentally!
2. Avoid putting out birdfeeders at any time of year, as they attract bears across all areas of Connecticut. Support birds instead by planting ecologically valuable native plants, which provide food and shelter year-round and benefit far more species than bird seed. Adding a clean source of water with a bird bath will also help birds and create enjoyable viewing opportunities. BearWise also provides tips on how to attract birds and not bears. Several municipalities (such as Simsbury) have ordinances regarding feeding birds during certain times of the year.
3. Store garbage in secure, airtight containers inside a garage or other enclosed storage area. Adding ammonia to trash cans and bags will reduce odors that attract bears. Periodically clean garbage cans with ammonia to reduce residual odor. Do not store recyclables in a porch or screened sunroom as bears can smell these items and will rip screens to get at them. Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection and not the night before. Ask your garbage removal company if they provide bear-proof garbage cans.
4. Keep barbecue grills clean. Store grills inside a garage or shed.
5. Do not leave pet food outdoors or feed pets outside.
6. Supervise pets at all times when outside.
7. Avoid placing meat scraps or sweet foods, such as fruit and fruit peels, in compost piles.
8. If you see a bear in your yard, do not approach it! Go into your house, garage, or other structure. If the bear persistently approaches, go on the offensive—shout, wave your arms, and throw sticks or rocks. Learn how to safely scare a bear.

More information is available in the DEEP guidelines.

https://portal.ct.gov/deep/wildlife/bears/the-basics-of-living-with-black-bears