Avon's Wild Neighbors: Understanding the Rise of Black Bear Sightings

Well, folks, it seems our local black bear population is making itself quite at home here in Avon. You might have noticed more chatter, or perhaps even a furry visitor yourself, because the numbers are in, and they're definitely on the rise. As of early October, specifically October 10th, our lovely town has logged a notable 85 black bear sightings this year alone. Now, if you're keeping tabs, that’s a fair jump from the 70 sightings we saw reported just a few weeks prior, back in mid-September.

It really makes you think, doesn't it? We're not alone in this, of course. Across the entire state of Connecticut, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, or DEEP as we commonly call them, has tallied an impressive 9,242 bear sightings year-to-date. While the exact ranking of Avon within the top towns wasn't highlighted, our 85 sightings certainly place us firmly in the conversation, indicating that these majestic creatures are increasingly active in our neck of the woods.

Now, I know seeing a bear can be both exciting and a little unnerving. And honestly, who can blame them for exploring? Our towns offer plenty of tempting opportunities for food. But this increased activity brings with it a serious need for awareness and caution. DEEP is always quick to remind us about some fundamental safety measures, and they're worth repeating, truly.

First and foremost, and this cannot be stressed enough: please, never feed bears. This includes direct feeding or leaving food out that might inadvertently attract them. Related to that, let's all make an effort to secure our garbage and any other potential food sources. Those bird feeders we love? They become bear magnets from April right through November, so it's best to bring them in. The same goes for pet food – keep it indoors. Oh, and after you've enjoyed a backyard barbecue, give that grill a thorough cleaning; those leftover smells are incredibly enticing to a bear's keen nose.

For those with livestock or backyard poultry, ensuring they are properly secured is absolutely vital. Bears are opportunistic, and an easy meal is hard to resist. If you do happen to find a bear on your property and it's getting a bit too comfortable, DEEP suggests making some noise – yell, clap, or even give it a spray with a hose. The idea is to gently, but firmly, encourage it to move along.

Should you be out hiking or enjoying nature and stumble upon a bear, the best approach is to remain calm, avoid eye contact, and slowly back away. Don't run; that can trigger a chase instinct. And finally, if you encounter an aggressive bear, or if one causes property damage, please report it immediately to DEEP. They also encourage reporting all bear sightings, even the non-aggressive ones, through their website or handy mobile app. It helps them track populations and understand their movements better.

Ultimately, coexisting with wildlife, especially magnificent creatures like black bears, requires a bit of vigilance and a lot of common sense. Let's do our part to keep both our community and our furry neighbors safe.