FILE PHOTO: Tina Heidrich/ contributed photos
By TopTrendReportTv
May 23, 2023
Bear Intrusion in Hartland Prompts Concerns for Resident Safety
In a recent incident, a bear managed to gain entry into a local residence's garage in Hartland, leading to heightened concerns among officials and residents alike. The incident took place on Walnut Hill Road, situated in a residential neighborhood to the east of the Barkhamsted Reservoir.
The State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) swiftly responded to the scene upon receiving notification, though the bear had already escaped the garage by the time they arrived, shared Paul Copleman, a spokesperson for the agency.
This occurrence adds to the growing number of bear-related incidents reported in Connecticut. In 2022 alone, DEEP documented a staggering 67 cases of bears breaking into homes. Just last month, the agency was compelled to euthanize a bear after it had breached multiple residences in Salisbury. Additionally, an Avon woman walking her dog fell victim to a bear attack, resulting in the animal's demise.
These events in Hartland follow another wildlife-related incident where a moose was tragically struck and killed by a driver on Route 179 last week. This marks the second such incident in the town this year.
Hartland, a small community with approximately 1,900 inhabitants, is renowned as the "Moose Capital of Connecticut" due to its high number of moose sightings. Officials attribute this prevalence to the ample vegetation found in managed timber areas, which serve as an abundant food source for the moose population.
Regarding the bear intrusion in Hartland, DEEP emphasizes the distinction between a bear entering the living space of a home and gaining access to a garage. This distinction plays a vital role in determining the necessity of euthanizing the bear.
Copleman clarified, "We generally use the term when the bear has entered the living area of a home." He further explained that the bear in question appeared to be attempting to reach a grill inside the garage, which had been used earlier that day.
To prevent such incidents, DEEP officials advocate for homeowners to exercise caution and avoid leaving out any food or items that may attract bears. This includes ensuring grills are thoroughly cleaned after use and refraining from leaving garbage, bird feeders, or pet food outside or in screened porch areas. These are common factors that tend to entice bears towards residential areas, as highlighted by officials.
Furthermore, DEEP recommends removing bird feeders between late March and November. Grills should be kept clean, and garbage ought to be stored in a securely sealed container within a garage or other locked location, according to their guidelines.
The rationale behind these precautions lies in the potential for bears to become habituated to human presence when they have easy access to food sources. "Food-conditioned bears pose a greater risk to public safety and often cause more property damage to houses, cars, pets, and livestock," warned DEEP.
In the event of a bear entering a home or garage, DEEP advises homeowners to promptly contact emergency services by dialing 911.
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