Bears sightings increase

While news of a black bear killing pigs at a Winchester farm made statewide headlines this week, other sightings have been less violent. Kim Marchand recently spotted this mama bear and baby cubs in the front yard of her home on Glendale Avenue. Police were called to the scene, but since they were dealing with a mother and her babies, they did not approach the bears. Instead, an officer flashed his lights and used his cruiser’s siren to encourage the family to scamper away. Monday night’s episode at the Iffland residence on Newfield Road saw two pigs killed by a black bear in the vicinity, reminding residents that bears can be dangerous and people should use caution to avoid incidents with them. A trap was set up at the Iffland residence with the hope of trapping the offending bear.Bear activity has increased this spring, as usual, and residents are encouraged to secure garbage, clean and store grills and refrain from making birdfeeders accessible. Visit www.depdata.ct.gov/wildlife/sighting/bearsight.asp for more information and links about black bears in Connecticut.