When their adventurous dog suddenly refused to step outside, Vincent Dashukewich and his girlfriend were immediately alerted that something was amiss. Living amidst a natural setting, the couple figured a wild animal might be responsible for their dog’s uncharacteristic behavior. Their curiosity, coupled with concern, led them to investigate further.
Their search revealed an unexpected visitor—a large black bear nestled peacefully beneath their deck. The bear, showing no signs of aggression, was simply hibernating during the chilly winter months. Though black bears are known to retreat into dens or secluded spots for their long winter slumbers, finding one so close to home was a startling discovery.
Bears hibernate to conserve energy during food-scarce months, with the duration of their sleep varying greatly—some may doze for only a few weeks, while others remain in deep hibernation for up to eight months. For Vincent and his girlfriend, the bear’s presence was a fascinating reminder of the wonders of nature, albeit one that came a little too close for comfort. Their dog’s instinctive reaction likely saved them from unknowingly startling the sleepy visitor, emphasizing just how attuned our furry friends are to their surroundings.
One important thing to remember when you find a hibernating bear is to leave it undisturbed. Vincent, also referred to as Tyler in some reports, reached out to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) for guidance. Their advice was straightforward: let the bear be. It wasn’t dangerous while it was sleeping.
However, if the bear woke up and started causing problems, they suggested using an air horn or bright lights to encourage it to move on. If those methods didn’t work, DEEP would step in to help. Since they found the bear over the New Year’s weekend, it has been nothing but calm.
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 common in Connecticut until after the 1800s. But as forests have regrown, their numbers have increased, and sightings have become more frequent. Sometimes, they even choose to hibernate under people’s decks!
While having a bear on your property might seem like an unusual form of security, if you’d rather not have such a guest, there are steps you can take. Some preventive measures are simple, while others require a bit more effort. The key is to eliminate smells that might attract bears.
Merida is a senior who was found abandoned in a backyard with her sibling who had passed away. She was left to fend for herself as an 11-year-old with diabetes. Thankfully, Kanoa Rescue Foundation stepped in to save her, but she still needs your help!
For example, if you have bird feeders, make sure to clean up any leftover food. It’s also wise to feed pets indoors or, if they eat outside, to clean up immediately afterward. Managing your garbage carefully is another important step. Put it out shortly before collection time, double-bag it, and keep the bin clean.
To discourage bears, you might consider installing motion-activated water sprays or bright lights. If you have a deck like Tyler’s, think about adding steel grills to prevent animals from nesting underneath. Tyler is likely considering this solution himself. It’s a practical way to protect your home and to keep a bear from hibernating somewhere it probably shouldn’t.
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