10-Year-Old CT Boy Recovering From Bear Attack

MORRIS, CT — A 10-year-old boy is recovering after he was attacked by a 250-pound black bear in his grandparents' backyard in Morris on Sunday morning, according to News-12 Connecticut.

The child's grandmother told News 12 that her grandson had gotten off their trampoline when the bear emerged from the woods, latched on to the boy's leg, then attempted to drag him away.

The boy was hospitalized as he suffered two puncture wounds to his thigh, bite marks on his foot and ankle, and claw marks on his back, according to News 12. He was later released from the hospital.

There have been 46 bear sightings in Morris, which is located in Litchfield County, in 2022 and nearly 9,400 bear sightings across Connecticut in 2022, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

DEEP officials say that bears are becoming bolder and more aggressive as people reward bad bear behavior. In their "Living with Black Bears" guide, the DEEP says that bears are attracted to garbage, pet food, compost piles, fruit trees, and birdfeeders.

The DEEP recommends taking the following steps to reduce bad bear behavior:

1. NEVER feed bears, intentionally or accidentally!
2. Remove birdfeeders and bird food from late March through November. Clean up spilled seed from the ground. Store any unused bird seed and suet in a location not accessible to bears, such as a closed garage. Do not store bird seed in screened porches or sheds where bears will be able to rip screens or break through windows to access the seed.
3. Store garbage in secure, airtight containers inside a garage or other enclosed storage area. Adding ammonia to trash cans and bags will reduce odors that attract bears. Periodically clean garbage cans with ammonia to reduce residual odor. Do not store recyclables in a porch or screened sunroom as bears can smell these items and will rip screens to get at them. Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection and not the night before. Ask your garbage removal company if they provide bear-proof garbage cans.
4. Keep barbecue grills clean. Store grills inside a garage or shed.
5. Do not leave pet food outdoors or feed pets outside.
6. Supervise pets at all times when outside.
7. Avoid placing meat scraps or sweet foods, such as fruit and fruit peels, in compost piles.
8. If you see a bear in your yard, do not approach it! Go into your house, garage, or other structure. If the bear persistently approaches, go on the offensive—shout, wave your arms, and throw sticks or rocks.