Ah, fall in Connecticut. It’s a gorgeous time of yr: vibrant leaves and crisp air coalescing into the right backdrop for a season of harvest and, for those who’re a hungry black bear, hyperphagia.
Wait, hyper-what?
“Hyperphagia” is science-speak for what wildlife officers extra casually name the annual “power-eating marathon” of Connecticut’s black bears. And these bears eat rather a lot.
“Throughout hyperphagia, bears can eat upwards of 20,000 energy a day – 10 instances the energy they usually devour,” in keeping with the Division of Vitality and Environmental Safety. “Their objective is to placed on as a lot weight and insulating fats as potential earlier than the winter denning season.”
Consequently, wildlife officers are urging warning this season. 2024 has already marked a record-setting yr for bears coming into houses in Connecticut. Officers are asking residents to safe trash cans and different meals sources this fall to cut back the chance of human-bear conflicts.
“Bears lose their pure concern of individuals after they eat meals from trash, birdfeeders, grills, or different human sources; inflicting them to spend extra time in neighborhoods and close to individuals, creating public security dangers and will increase the likelihood that the bears could also be hit and killed by autos,” Jenny Dickson, DEEP wildlife division director, mentioned in an announcement.
Bear house entries already at record-setting ranges
Human-bear conflicts are on the rise throughout Connecticut.
This yr, there have already been 68 documented house entries by bears, DEEP says.
It’s a record-setting quantity, and particularly eye-popping contemplating that, technically, fall has but to start. (The season begins on the morning of Sept. 22.)
Conflicts with bears have tripled within the state in recent times, in keeping with DEEP. One particular person was bit by a bear in Cheshire in July. That bear was later euthanized. On Wednesday, a automotive sustained injury after a collision with a bear in East Lyme, in keeping with WTNH-TV. The driving force was reported unharmed. The bear was seen working away after the crash, in keeping with witnesses.
In 2022, the state noticed what was then a record-setting 67 house entries. DEEP reported “dozens of tried entries additionally came about.” A number of individuals had been additionally attacked that yr by bears.
Throughout Connecticut, bears have been noticed in all 169 cities and cities in recent times, state officers say.
“Whereas the variety of human-bear conflicts varies from yr to yr, the general development from the previous 5 years reveals a dramatic improve, and this yr’s record-breaking variety of house entries is particularly regarding from a security perspective,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes mentioned in an announcement. “It’s important that residents perceive the function they play in protecting individuals and bears secure.”
Deliberately feeding bears is prohibited, Dykes mentioned. Residents throughout Connecticut should do their half to cut back the chance of bear-human conflicts and hold individuals – and bears – secure, she mentioned.
What you are able to do to be ‘bear conscious’
For those who spot a bear in your yard or whereas climbing, wildlife officers say to make your self identified to the bear by yelling or making loud noises. Don’t method the bear.
If the bear doesn’t retreat, slowly go away the world and, if in your yard, slowly go to your own home, storage or different construction.
“If the bear persistently approaches, go on the offensive — shout, wave your arms, and throw sticks or rocks,” DEEP says.
At all times hold a canine on a brief leash whereas climbing. Don’t enable them to roam free, consultants say.
Different ideas from DEEP embrace:
- Don’t feed bears. Deliberately feeding bears is prohibited in Connecticut.
- Don’t toss leftover meals outdoors for the animals to “clear up.” That may be a bear meals supply.
- For those who dwell in an space with bears, it’s greatest to keep away from chicken feeders. For those who select to place one out, do it from December via late-March when bears are of their dens.
- Retailer rubbish in safe, hermetic containers inside a storage or storage space. Put out trash within the morning, not the night time earlier than, and think about using ammonia to cut back odors.
- Don’t retailer leftover chicken seed, suet desserts or recyclables in a porch or screened sunroom as bears can scent these things and can rip screens to get at them.
- Preserve barbecue grills clear and securely saved.
- Don’t go away pet meals outdoor or feed pets outdoors.
- Use electrical fencing to guard beehives, crops, chickens and different livestock.
- Keep away from putting meat scraps or candy meals, resembling fruit and fruit peels, in compost piles.
This article by Patrick Skahill was first revealed by CT Public on 20 September 2024. Lead Picture: Joe Amon / Connecticut Public – A black bear roaming via a yard in Simsbury, Connecticut July 9, 2023.
What you are able to do
Assist to avoid wasting wildlife by donating as little as $1 – It solely takes a minute.
