The DEEP relocated a large black bear that was wandering around a heavily-populated West Hartford neighborhood Sunday afternoon.

This black bear that climbed a tree in West Hartford was relocated by the DEEP Sunday afternoon. Photo courtesy of Eileen Fay

By Ronni Newton

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) officials responded to a West Hartford neighborhood Sunday at approximately 3:15 p.m. after residents reported that a black bear had climbed a tree at 20 Lilley Rd.

According to DEEP Spokesperson Dennis Schain, DEEP Environmental Conservation Police responded to the call. “When they arrived the bear had come down from the [Lilly Road] tree and was at 19 Vanderbilt Rd.” Vanderbilt Road is two blocks east of Lilly Road.

Resident Eileen Fay captured a photo of the bear in a tree before DEEP officials tranquilized it.

Schain said that EnCon officers were able to tranquilize the bear, which was a male estimated to weigh 250 pounds.

“They took it to a suitably wooded area to release it,” he said.

Bear sighting are increasingly common at this time of year as the animals have emerged from hibernation, Schain said. “They are looking for food. It’s important not to have food sources in your yard. Take down bird feeders and secure garbage cans or put them in the garage. Clean up your barbecue area,” he said.

The DEEP has published a “Bear Fact Sheet” (see below) with steps that residents should follow to avoid problems with black bears.

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