Bear Spotted on Avon Trail

There have been more than 150 reports of black bear sightings in Avon this year, and the most recent was a bit of a surprise for runners and walkers.

A bear was spotted on the Avon bike path between Scoville and Country Club roads around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Justin Finch, a viewer, told us in an e-mail.

In addition to the bear spotted on the trail, there were two cubs in a tree nearby. 

Here are some tips if you spot a bear while you are out enjoying nature:

Bears normally leave an area once they’ve sensed a human. If you see a bear, enjoy it from a distance. Bears showing aggression toward humans is rare.

Make noise and wave your arms if you see a bear while hiking.

Keep dogs on a leash and under control.  A bear might perceive a roaming dog to be a threat to itself or its cubs.

Walk away slowly if you surprise a bear nearby.

Don't climb a tree, but go into a vehicle or building and wait for the bear to leave the area.

There have been around 2,700 bear sightings in the state in the last year.

You can report one online.

If you need immediate assistance concerning a black bear, call the DEEP's 24-hour hotline at 860-424-3333.
 

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