Some Stamford residents say they're accustomed to seeing certain types of wildlife in the neighborhood, but one woman got quite a shock when a bear made an appearance in her back yard.

The woman, who lives near Hemlock Drive and Wyndover Lane, says she initially thought a dog was rummaging through her trash Wednesday afternoon. However, when she got a closer look, she realized it was a bear.

"The owner of home ? tried to shoo him away," says Anthony Lupinacci, a police lieutenant who lives near the woman. "[The bear] growled at her and she went back in the house."

The state Department of Environmental Protection is advising residents to keep garbage lids tightly closed and to remove bird feeders.