BLACK BEAR

Do’s and Don’ts

Bears Near Your Home

DO remove bird feeders and bird food from late March through November.

DO clean and store grills away after use.

DO eliminate food attractants by placing garbage cans inside a garage or

shed. Add ammonia to trash to make it unpalatable.

DON'T intentionally feed bears. Bears that become accustomed to finding

food near your home may become “problem” bears.

DON'T leave pet food outside overnight.

DON'T add meat or sweets to a compost pile.

Bears When Hiking or Camping

DO make your presence known by making noise and waving your

arms if you see a bear while hiking.

DO keep dogs on a leash and under control. A roaming dog might be

perceived as a threat to a bear or its cubs.

DO walk away slowly if you surprise a bear nearby.

DON'T cook food near your tent or store food inside your tent.

Instead, keep food in a secure vehicle or use rope to suspend it

between two trees.

DON'T climb a tree, but wait in a vehicle or building for the bear

to leave the area.

Report Bear Sightings to the DEEP at

860-675-8130

Or

Online at WWW.CT.GOV/DEEP/BLACKBEAR

Connecticut

Department of Energy and

Environmental Protection

Bureau of Natural Resources

Wildlife Division