Recent Black Bear Sightings Prompt Safety Reminders for Cheshire Residents

The Cheshire Ct Phoenix News

 DEEP officers have been assisting the CPD in searching the wooded corridor between 475 Oak Avenue and the intersection of Watch Hill Road and Sorghum Mill.

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CHESHIRE, CT — The Cheshire Police Department (CPD) and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) are urging residents to exercise caution following a significant increase in black bear sightings across the 06410 zip code. While bears are not an uncommon sight in the wooded areas of Connecticut, recent reports indicate increased activity within densely populated residential neighborhoods and recreational spaces.

Notable Encounters and Locations

Local authorities and residents have documented numerous encounters in recent weeks, ranging from property damage to close physical proximity:

• Cornwall Avenue and Oak Avenue: In one of the more concerning incidents, a black bear made physical contact with a female resident sitting in her backyard. The resident was unharmed. Responding officers reported that the animal, which has two tags on its left ear, appeared unhealthy and slow-moving. It fled southbound toward Oak Avenue, with its last known location being the woods on the south side of 475 Oak Avenue. DEEP officers have been assisting the CPD in searching the wooded corridor between 475 Oak Avenue and the intersection of Watch Hill Road and Sorghum Mill.

• Route 10 and Cook Hill: On Thursday, July 25th, at approximately 5:00 PM, a bear was observed moving through several backyards. Witnesses reported the animal knocking over bird feeders and drinking from an above-ground pool before retreating into the water company property behind the Southwick retirement community. Observers noted the bear did not display aggressive behavior toward people or dogs.

• Nichole Court and East Johnson: Residents in the northeast end of town reported a bear lingering in the local woods. The animal was sighted three times beginning at 9:30 AM, with photographic evidence captured at 6:30 PM.

• South Walking Trail: A local resident reported being chased by a bear while walking their dog near the south walking trail.

• Coopersmith Park: A resident reported potential bear activity after his dog discovered what appeared to be bear scat along the tree line during a morning walk.

• Residential Neighborhoods: Another resident reported seeing a large bear cross his street, followed by a smaller bear near his driveway, which then moved toward a neighbor’s carport. Additionally, another resident captured footage of a bear feeding from a hummingbird feeder.

Another resident reported seeing a large bear cross his street.

Historical Context and Wildlife Management

While the frequency of recent sightings has caused alarm among some residents, black bears have a long-established presence in Cheshire. Residents noted that the Deer Park neighborhood has experienced consistent bear activity for the last 22 years.

This recent surge in sightings mirrors a similar pattern documented on June 11, 2017, when bears were frequently spotted around Long Hill Road, Avon Boulevard, Hawthorne Drive, and the Lock 12 trail area.

Despite the increased visibility of these animals, statistics indicate that severe encounters remain rare.

The estimated black bear population in the United States ranges between 750,000 and one million, with only 59 bear-related fatalities recorded nationwide since 1900. Some residents have pointed to ongoing land development as a primary driver pushing wildlife into residential zones in search of food and shelter.

Official Safety Guidelines

The Cheshire Police Department has issued clear directives for residents to minimize the risk of negative interactions, noting that bear activity frequently coincides with school arrival and dismissal times:

• Do Not Approach or Feed: Residents must avoid approaching the animals. Intentionally feeding bears is dangerous and exacerbates the problem.

• Remove Attractants: Bird feeders, suet, and unsecured outside trash cans will draw bears to residential properties. Residents are advised to remove bird seed entirely rather than replacing it after a bear visit.

• Use Noise as a Deterrent: If an encounter occurs and a resident feels unsafe, making loud noises is the recommended method to prompt the animal to leave the area.

• Law Enforcement Response: The CPD has clarified their protocol, stating they will not dispatch officers to shoot a bear for consuming bird seed or causing minor property nuisance; their primary tactic is to scare the animal away from populated areas.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, particularly those with small pets or livestock, such as the area near Wallingford Road.

If a bear becomes a persistent nuisance, residents should contact the Cheshire Police Department’s non-emergency line at 203-271-5500. In the event of an immediate emergency or threat to public safety, residents should dial 911.

For up to date information on Cheshire Connecticut Bear activity Visit Cheshire on Facebook.

If a bear becomes a persistent nuisance, residents should contact the Cheshire Police Department’s non-emergency line at 203-271-5500. In the event of an immediate emergency or threat to public safety, residents should dial 911.