6 ABC News Bear in Claymont, DE Today

What Happened?

On Tuesday, October 11, 2023, a bear was spotted in the backyard of a home in Claymont, Delaware. The bear was seen wandering around the yard and eating birdseed from a bird feeder.

The homeowner called 911, and the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) was dispatched to the scene. DNREC officers arrived and tranquilized the bear. The bear was then taken to a local wildlife rehabilitation center, where it will be released back into the wild.

Why Did This Happen?

There are a number of reasons why a bear might wander into a residential area. One possibility is that the bear was looking for food. Bears are omnivores, and they will eat a variety of things, including fruits, vegetables, insects, and small animals.

Another possibility is that the bear was lost. Bears have large home ranges, and they can sometimes become disoriented and wander into areas where they are not familiar.

What Should You Do If You See a Bear?

If you see a bear in your yard, the most important thing to do is to stay calm. Do not approach the bear, and do not make any sudden movements. Slowly back away from the bear, and give it plenty of space.

If the bear does not leave, you can try to scare it away by making loud noises or throwing objects at it. If the bear charges at you, fight back as hard as you can.

How Can You Prevent Bears From Coming Into Your Yard?

There are a number of things you can do to prevent bears from coming into your yard. One is to keep your yard clean. Do not leave any food or garbage outside, and keep your bird feeders clean.

You can also make your yard less attractive to bears by removing any potential food sources. This includes things like fruit trees, berry bushes, and bird feeders.

Finally, you can install a fence around your yard. This will help to keep bears out, but it is important to make sure that the fence is high enough and strong enough to deter bears.