Black Bear Sighting in Easton

A sighting of a medium size black bear recently occurred in a residential area of Easton. While no sighting have been reported on ALT preserves, here are some facts about bears you might want to know about.

On hiking trails and in wooded areas, bears will usually avoid people. Black bear attacks on humans are exceptionally rare. In most hiking areas, bears normally leave once they have sensed a human.

If you see a bear when hiking make your presence known by making noise and waving your arms.

Although black bears are quite large (and can weigh up to six hundred pounds), they get frightened easily and they often make loud noises when they're afraid.

If you surprise a bear at close range, walk away slowly while facing the bear. Avoid direct eye contact and do not run. These animals love to explore the forest, and they can run as fast as thirty-five miles an hour! Try to stay calm as you make your retreat.

Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” to within a few feet of you when they feel threatened. If this happens, stand your ground and shout at the bear. Do not climb a tree — black bears are excellent tree climbers.

For more information about black bears, visit the CT DEP Web site at ct.gov/dep. Report bear sightings to the DEP Wildlife Division at (860) 675-8130.

Click here to go the ALT website