The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is warning southwestern Connecticut communities to beware of bears. With nine bear sightings reported in Wilton this year, police are trying to educate residents so everyone can safely coexist. DEP officials say bears are attracted to garbage, pet food, compost piles, fruit trees and bird feeders around homes. They say residents should make sure bird feeders are not accessible, place garbage cans inside a garage and add ammonia to trash. They also say residents should not feed bears or leave pet food out at night. The DEP says bears that become accustomed to finding food near a home may become "problem" bears. They ask anyone who sees a bear to report it to the local police department.