Close encounter of the bear kind: This was the scene on Big Pines Road today, off Weston Road right by Merritt Parkway southbound Exit 42. Homeowners Denny Galindo and Brigitte Cook just moved here in September. Quite a welcome! See below for the full bear-in-Westport story. (Photo/Denny Galindo)
A couple of weeks after a bear ambled through Westport, we’ve got more sightings.
Yesterday brought multiple sightings of a bear in the northern part of town. First, Westport Police officers and the animal control officer responded to a home on Highland Road, off Bayberry Lane. The bear went to a second home on the same road, and reportedly put his paw on an individual who was outside gardening. The bear did not act aggressively, and there were no injuries.
The animal ended up on Warnock Drive, off Easton Road, where it entered an unoccupied sun porch. By the time the animal control officer arrived, the bear had left the sunroom and was sitting in the yard.
The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection responded, and assisted with monitoring the bear’s activities. It was last seen heading west towards Weston.
Peter Reid, Westport’s assistant animal control officer, notes the bear was acting normally and not behaving aggressively. He warns against getting too close to photograph or record it though, as that may make it feel cornered or trapped.
At this time, there is no indication that the bear poses a threat to the community, but common-sense precautions should be taken. It is a good idea to take down bird feeders for the summer, as bears are attracted to them. Grills and outdoor dining tables should be cleaned with a diluted bleach solution after each use, as the smell of the food also attracts bears.
Bear sightings can be reported to Westport Animal Control at 203-341-5076, or reported to DEEP via this link.