Normally when we get photos of bears in the Northwest Corner, there is a meal involved. Most common is the “bear eating seed from a birdfeeder photo.” Second most common is “bear destroying a garbage can.” A distant third place, happily, usually goes to “bear inside a house eating peanut butter cups, flour and fruit preserves.”
Jim Herity sent in a rare photo of a bear swimming across Mudge Pond in Sharon last week. Perhaps even bears worry about their waistlines.
On a less comical note, a homeowner in the center of Lakeville village reported on Sunday morning, Nov. 14, that a bear ripped about a 3-foot diameter hole out of her garage door to get at the garbage cans stored inside.
In particular when there are situations where a bear aggressively crosses the human/wildlife boundary, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection would like to hear about. To report a bear sighting, go online to portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Report-a-Wildlife-Sighting.
— Cynthia Hochswender
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
A ceramic vase by Kathleen Heidemann.Provided 
Joy Brown’s delightful ceramic sculptures.Provided 
