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Black Bear Makes Appearance In Westport Over Weekend

WESTPORT, Conn. – A black bear turned quite a few heads in Westport Saturday evening after it was spotted roaming through neighborhoods in the northeast area of town.

A black bear, similar to this one, was spotted in Westport Saturday.

A black bear, similar to this one, was spotted in Westport Saturday.

Photo Credit: Courtesy Morristown NHP Flickr

The bear, seen by residents on Bayberry Lane, Tupelo Road and Weston Road, didn’t cause any harm and didn’t appear to be acting aggressively, police said Monday.

“There haven’t been any problems associated with the black bear,” Capt. Sam Arciola said. “Other than it roaming through backyards, we haven’t received any particularly alarming reports.”

Although the bear did not seem dangerous, a CodeRed emergency telephone call was issued over the weekend to residents in and around the area the bear was spotted, advising they be cautious when outside and not to interact with it.

No additional sightings of the bear have been reported since Saturday, Arciola said. If the bear reappears, residents should leave it alone and report the sighting to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. If there is a particular concern that requires immediate attention, residents should call police, he said.

“By no means approach the bear,” Arciola said. “Let it go about its business without alarming it. Also, do not feed it.”

Westport police have notified the DEEP of the sighting. Officials in neighboring Weston and Wilton have also been notified, Arciola said.

Before Saturday, Arciola said there had not been any reported black bear sightings during his more than 20 year career with the department.

To report a black bear sighting, call the DEEP Wildlife Division, at 860-675-8130. More information about black bears is available on the DEEP website.

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