REMINDER!!!! August 1, 2007 the Simsbury Police Department will be presenting "Living With Bears". This will be a special presentation with Dan LeGrandeur. For additional information, please click here.
Bear Facts
Bear sightings in Simsbury are on the rise. Bears are attracted to bird feeders, garbage, pet food, compost piles, and fruit trees around houses. Simsbury residents need to learn more about bears and how to reduce the likelihood of bears becoming a problem. Aggression by bears toward humans is exceptionally rare. Bears need not be feared, just respected.
Bears that become accustomed to finding food near your home may become “problem” bears.
If you sight a bear and are concerned for your safety, please contact the Police Department at 658-3100, and an officer will be dispatched to monitor the situation.
Bear sightings should also be reported to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). However, their response will vary depending on the nature of the complaint. Moving problem bears to other towns or states is not an option as it is simply “moving the problem”. Further, bears have a strong homing instinct and usually return to the site of origin if not moved more than 75 miles.
If you have internet access and would like to report a black bear sighting, please visit the DEP’s website. Click here
Additional information on the bear population in Connecticut can be found on the State of CT, DEP site at the following link.
The DO’s and DON’T’s
DO Make your presence known by making noise.
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 an enclosed area after use.
DO Discontinue feeding birds from late March through November.
DO NOT leave pet food outside overnight.
DO NOT add meats or sweets to a compost pile.
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