KENSINGTON, Md. — A Kensington resident captured video of a bear as the animal strolled through a neighborhood Tuesday night.
The video shows the bear inspecting three trash cans that sit on the street. The bear knocks over one of the cans while trying to open it.
In 2022, a bear was spotted wandering in Arlington, leading the Animal Welfare League of Arlington (AWLA) to share several tips on how to keep bears from wandering too close to your home:
- Keep garbage in a locked shed or inside until collected or use a bear-resistant container
- Secure any compost piles
- Take down bird feeders
- Secure pet food in bear-resistant containers or inside locked sheds
- Clean up porches/decks
- Never leave food, trash or pet food inside your vehicle
- Keep dogs on a leash at all times
In March, The National Park Service made headlines when the agency shared some advice, saying that you should refrain from pushing down someone slower "even if you feel the friendship has run its course."
How to handle a bear encounter
There are some general tips to follow if you encounter a bear when you're out in the wild. If you do so, here's what the agency recommends:
- Talk calmly to the bear, stand your ground, and slowly wave your arms to identify yourself that you are a human
- Remain calm and talk to the bear in "low tones" that are non-threatening. A scream or sudden movements may trigger an attack.
- If you have small children with you, pick them up immediately.
- Hike and travel in groups as bears often become aware of groups of people and can get intimidated
- Carry EPA-approved peppery spray that can be used to stop aggressive bears.
The Park Service also offers some suggestions of what not to do:
- Do not give the bear food
- Do not drop your bag or pack
- Don't turn your back on the bear or run, so you can keep an eye on the bear and avoid tripping
- Don't climb a tree because grizzlies and black bears can climb too
- Never put yourself between a mother bear and her curb or try to approach them because the mother will likely attack you if she considers you a threat
Parents in West Hartford Connecticut were throwing a big backyard birthday party for their two-year-old son. And a surprise guest showed up.