Aliyya Swaby Photo
Fair Haven Heights neighbors are on the look out for a small black bear that wandered into the neighborhood Thursday morning.
East Shore District Manger Sgt. Will Cruz said he got a call from Fair Haven Heights Alder Rosa Santana about a small bear in the area. The alder apparently had been getting calls from constituents.
“I’ve never heard of anyone seeing a bear since I’ve been district manager,” Cruz said. But he alerted his officers to be on the look for the animal.
Turns out the neighbors who spotted the bear were right. Cruz said the bear was first spotted on Lexington Avenue and officers were able to track it to Howard and Summit streets. Officers tracked the bear to Eastern Street near the Alling Memorial Golf Course and from there to Laurel Street in East Haven.
“That’s the last place they saw it,” Cruz said. Cruz said there is a lot of wooded area near Summit Street, and he actually lives in East Haven near Laurel Street, which isn’t far from a big cornfield and wooded area. He said it’s not unusual to see wildlife such as small rabbits and deer, but a bear is not at all common.
“It’s kind of crazy,” he said. He speculated that the bear had possibly wandered away from a group of bigger bears, and was looking for food.
Cruz said the East Haven Police Department has been alerted to be on the look out for the bear, too.
In a press release, Santana encouraged people throughout the city — particularly those in Fair Haven Heights — to be careful while outside in case the bear returns.
Wildlife experts advise people not to run if they see a bear, but instead back away slowly, speak calmly, and find a safe place to take refuge until the animal is gone. If you see a bear, call the New Haven animal shelter at 203 – 946-8110.