A mother in Connecticut had a heart-stopping experience when she arrived home to find a bear attempting to break into her house while her teenage daughter was sleeping inside. Michele Lemis from Simsbury described the moment she discovered the damage to her property, including a broken screen door and an air conditioner pulled from a window. As she investigated further, she witnessed a large bear entering her home, prompting her to quickly alert her 17-year-old daughter, Meilin Lemis, and call 9-1-1 for help.
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Meilin, who was inside the house at the time, heard the bear moving around and breathing heavily outside her bedroom door. She followed her mother’s instructions to stay put and seek refuge in her closet. The teenager described the tense moments of hearing the bear’s movements and heavy breathing nearby while she waited anxiously for the authorities to arrive. The bear even helped itself to some of the family’s groceries before eventually leaving the premises.
Fortunately, the police responded in time to prevent any direct contact between the bear and the teenager. Using a commanding voice, an officer successfully scared the bear away from the house, allowing it to exit through a window and flee the scene. The family later showed reporters the aftermath of the bear’s intrusion, including dirty paw prints, broken appliances, and scattered furniture. The entire ordeal was a first for the Lemis family, who had never experienced such a close encounter with wildlife in their 23 years of living in the area.
Despite the initial scare, the bear returned the following morning, prompting the family to take precautionary measures. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) set up a bear trap on the property in an attempt to safely relocate the animal. Michele Lemis expressed concerns for her family’s safety, particularly for their dog, as they navigated the aftermath of the bear’s visit. The bear’s unusual food choices, which included consuming mayonnaise, Nutella, grapes, and even taking a chicken roast without eating it, added an unexpected twist to the situation.
Reflecting on the incident, the Lemis family acknowledged the rarity of such an event and the importance of being vigilant in coexisting with wildlife. While the bear’s intrusion left behind physical damage and emotional distress, the family remained grateful that no one was harmed during the encounter. The community’s support and quick response from law enforcement played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the residents and addressing the situation promptly.
As the family processed the aftermath of the bear’s incursion, they shared their story with the public to raise awareness about wildlife encounters and the importance of conservation efforts. The unexpected visit from the bear served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the need for communities to be prepared to handle such situations responsibly. Despite the alarming experience, the Lemis family remained resilient and optimistic about moving forward after the unique encounter with nature in their own home.