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Look Out, New Fairfield: Large Bear Roaming The Neighborhood

NEW FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Residents of New Fairfield, especially those on Bigelow Road, are being warned that a large bear has been spotted roaming in the neighborhood. 

A large bear, similar to this one, has been spotted in New Fairfield recently.

A large bear, similar to this one, has been spotted in New Fairfield recently.

 Photo Credit: Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Daily Voice

The warning came on the New Fairfield Fire Police Facebook page. 

The area is off Route 37 north of the center of town.

"If you hear a noise outside, look out the windows before exiting the home or vehicle to check what the noise is," the Facebook post said. 

Residents are warned that bears "will go through trash, coolers, bird feeders. They will enter into decks, porches, car ports, looking for food." 

"It is imminent you do not feed the bear(s)," the post said. "They will stay and/or return multiple times looking for food." 

To report a sighting or life-threatening issues regarding bears, call Department Energy and Environmental Protection at 860-424-3333 or call local police.

"DEEP has the means to get the bear to return to the woods where they essentially belong," the post said. 

From March 5, 2016, to Feb. 10, 2017, there have been 57 reported bear sightings in New Fairfield, according to DEEP. 

This is the number of bear sightings in other Fairfield County towns and cities in the same time frame:

  • Bethel: 16
  • Brookfield: 64
  • Danbury: 48
  • Easton: 25
  • Fairfield: 4
  • Monroe: 34
  • New Canaan: 1
  • New Fairfield: 57
  • Newtown: 117
  • Norwalk: 4
  • Redding: 65
  • Ridgefield: 8
  • Sherman: 60
  • Stamford: 9
  • Stratford: 2
  • Trumbull: 2
  • Weston: 12
  • Wilton: 31

DEEP also reminds residents, bears are attracted to garbage, pet food, compost piles, fruit trees, and birdfeeders. Here are some do's and don'ts: 

  • Do remove birdfeeders and bird food from late March through November.
  • Do eliminate food attractants by placing garbage cans inside a garage or shed. Add ammonia to trash to make it unpalatable.
  • Do clean and store grills in a garage or shed after use.
  • Don't intentionally feed bears. Bears that become accustomed to finding food near your home may become "problem" bears.
  • Don't approach or try to get closer to a bear to get a photo or video.
  • Don't leave pet food outside overnight.
  • Don't add meat or sweets to a compost pile.

For more information on bears from DEEP, click here.

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