Madison bear has been euthanized

MADISON, Conn. (WTNH) -- A bear that was getting too close for comfort to people and homes in Madison has been caught and put down.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection trapped and euthanized the black bear because it had showed aggression toward humans.

Earlier in the week the bear had charged at a homeowner who'd been watching and recording the bear through an open window in his home. No one was hurt.

Watch the video here

"DEEP had also received unconfirmed reports that at least one resident had been intentionally feeding the bear," DEEP spokesman Dwayne Gardner said in a statement. "When a bear is intentionally or unintentionally fed, it begins to associate food with people and loses its fear of humans."

Connecticut has an estimated 500 black bears.

The following is from DEEP:

The DEEP encourages residents to take the following simple steps to avoid problems with black bears:

• NEVER feed bears.
• Take down, clean, and put away birdfeeders by late March. Store the feeders until late fall. Clean up spilled seed from the ground.
• Store garbage in secure, airtight containers inside a garage or storage area. Double bagging and adding ammonia to cans and bags will reduce odors that attract bears.
• Periodically clean garbage cans with ammonia to reduce residual odor. Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection and not the night before.
• Avoid leaving pet food outdoors at night.
• Keep barbecue grills clean. Store grills inside a garage or shed. Avoid placing meat scraps or sweet foods in compost piles.
• Protect beehives, livestock, and berry bushes from bears with electric fencing.
• Supervise dogs at all times when outside. Keep dogs on a leash when walking and hiking. A roaming dog might be perceived as a threat to a bear or its cubs.

It is important to remember that although black bears regularly travel near houses, they are rarely aggressive toward humans and can usually be frightened away by making loud noises, throwing sticks, or spraying with a garden hose.