These two bears (a mother and cub) were recently photographed by a resident of the Woods Edge section of the Pheasant Knoll development, which is located on the east side of Rt. 114, about a half mile north of the main USM entrance road. Bears have damaged several bird feeders in the Ridgefield section of Pheasant Knoll, and presumably the same bears have been observed roaming through the yards of several Ridgefield residents during the daytime. Bears have also taken down bird feeders on Queen Street.

Area residents are advised to take precautions to prevent bears from accessing food sources on their property. This includes securing garbage bins and composting containers, as well as taking down bird feeders until bears “den up” for their winter hibernation.