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A family in Connecticut recently discovered a black bear hibernating beneath their deck and was able to film the animal.
Vincent Dashukewich and his girlfriend, Olivia Unwin, were playing with Vincent’s dog on December 30 when they realized the dog’s behavior was unusual, according to the Dashukewich family.
Vincent Dashukewich’s sister, Tyler Dashukewich, told Fox News Digital that when the dog began behaving fearful and avoiding the backyard deck, he saw a bear taking shelter there.
According to the family, they contacted the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
Adult male bears in North America can weigh up to 550 pounds, according to the DEEP website.
During a hibernation period, a bear’s heart rate and internal body temperature will decrease, according to DEEP’s website.
DEEP stated that Connecticut’s bear population has increased and that “bears may find suitable den sites near human dwellings, including under decks, porches, and sheds.”
The Dashukewich family decided to let the bear to remain beneath the deck because he has not created any problems.
TikTok
DEEP informed Tyler Dashukewich’s family that they “could shine bright lights or make loud noises to attempt to lure him out or leave him there.”
Since the bear has not caused any further problems, the Dashukewich family decided to allow him to remain in his current living circumstances.
Tyler Dashukewich remarked, “We are keeping the bear where he is since he is not bothering us.”
Bears are not uncommon in the area surrounding the Dashukewich residence, where Tyler, Vincent, their parents, and Tyler’s kid dwell.
Tyler Dashukewich added, “However, we are not accustomed to bears staying so long as this one has.”
Vincent Dashukewich filmed his finding, and his siblings uploaded the video to TikTok, where it has already received over 16 million views.
The bear now goes by the name Marty and has a dedicated Instagram page.
Vincent and Tyler Dashukewich want to sell “Marty merchandise” and donate the proceeds to an organization that protects wildlife.
Vincent stated that the family will maintain a safe distance from the bear until Marty departs.