Vincent Dashukewich and his girlfriend were puzzled when their usually brave dog became hesitant to venture outside.
Living amidst abundant nature, they wondered if another creature might be the cause of their pet’s sudden apprehension.
Their suspicions were confirmed, but not in the way they expected.
Upon investigating, Vincent made a startling discovery: a large black bear was peacefully slumbering right under their deck.
It wasn’t threatening their dog; it was simply taking a nap.
It was the dead of winter, and the bear was hibernating. This season is synonymous with hibernation for bears.
Their hibernation can last anywhere from a few weeks to a whopping eight months. The exact duration is unpredictable.
One golden rule when encountering a hibernating bear is to avoid disturbing it.
Vincent, also referred to as Tyler in the article, promptly contacted the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) for advice. Their recommendation?
Let the bear be. It posed no harm while asleep.
However, if it were to awaken and become a nuisance, they suggested using an air horn or bright lights to encourage its departure. Only if these measures failed would DEEP step in.
Since their unexpected discovery during the New Year’s weekend, the bear has been nothing but peaceful.
Vincent’s brother, also named Tyler, shared with WTNH, “[The bear has been super chill.] I’ve gone out to check on him a few times and he hasn’t really moved. We’re trying to keep our distance, but he is cute.”
Interestingly, black bears weren’t a common sight in Connecticut until after the 1800s. However, due to forest growth, their presence has become more frequent.
And yes, sometimes they even choose to hibernate under decks! On a lighter note, having a bear on your property does offer a unique security advantage.
But jokes aside, if you’d rather not have such a guest in the future, there are preventive measures you can take.
Some of these preventive solutions are straightforward, while others might require a bit more effort.
The primary goal is to eliminate enticing smells that might attract bears.
For instance, if you have bird feeders, ensure you clean up any leftover food. It’s also wise to feed pets indoors or, if they eat outside, to clean up immediately afterward.
Another tip is to manage your garbage diligently. Only put it out shortly before pick-up time, double-bag it, and clean the bin regularly.
To deter bears, consider installing motion-detector water sprays or bright lights.
And if you have a deck, like Tyler, think about adding steel grills to prevent creatures from seeking shelter underneath.
Tyler is likely considering this very solution. It’s a good way to protect yourself and to keep a bear from hibernating somewhere that they probably shouldn’t.
Learn more about the bear in the video below!
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