Black Bear Do's and Don'ts

Click HERE for Avon Police Department Bear Protocol.

**Bear sightings can be reported by calling DEEP at 860-424-3011 or on their website  https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Report-a-Wildlife-Sighting#:~:text=For%20bear%2Drelated%20emergencies%2C%20please,at%20860%2D424%2D3333.

Black bears should never be fed — either intentionally or unintentionally  Bears that are attracted to homes by easily-accessible foods lose their fear of humans. Such bears spend more time in neighborhoods and near people, increasing risks to public safety, the likelihood of property damage, and the possibility that the bears may be hit and killed by vehicles.

IMPORTANT TIPS:

♦  Do not feed birds in the spring (starting in late March), summer, and early fall. Clean up spilled seed from the ground.

♦  Store garbage in secure, airtight containers inside a garage or storage area.

♦  Adding ammonia to cans and bags will reduce odors that attract bears.

♦  Periodically clean garbage cans with ammonia to reduce residual odor.

♦  Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection and not the night before.

♦  Do not store leftover bird seed or recyclables in a porch or screened sunroom as bears can smell these items and will rip screens to get at them.

♦  Supervise dogs at all times when outside. Keep dogs on a short leash when walking and hiking. A roaming dog might be perceived as a threat to a bear or its cubs.

♦  Do not leave pet food outdoors or feed pets outside.

♦  Use electric fencing to protect beehives, agricultural crops, berry bushes, chickens, and other livestock.

♦  Keep barbecue grills clean. Store grills inside a garage or shed.

♦  Avoid placing meat scraps or sweet foods, such as fruit and fruit peels, in compost piles.

If a bear is damaging your property or is believed to be a threat, please call the Avon Police Department at (860) 409-4200 and an Officer will be dispatched to investigate and contact DEEP if necessary. 

BE BEAR AWARE!!

Click here for additional information on black bears through the State of Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection's (DEEP) website.