Bear Comes Within Feet Of Young Child, Dramatic Video Shows

TORRINGTON, CT — A bear came within feet of a boy at a home in Torrington before the family dog chased it away, according to a video shared with WTNH News-8.

The video shows the child in the home's driveway at the bottom of the screen. He steps out of view, and a bear enters the frame, coming close to the child.

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However, the bear is tailed by the family's husky, which bites the bear and forces it away from the child.

>>>Watch the video of the close encounter at WTNH News-8.

There have been other instances of bears coming close with people recently. In June, a bear was euthanized after entering several Winchester homes.

Related: Black Bear Euthanized In CT After Series Of Home Break-Ins

In Avon, a bear attacked a dog, leaving the pet with "several bites and claw wounds."

Related: Bear Attacks Avon Resident's Dog: Report

There have been 6,331 bear sightings in Connecticut this year, according to the state. Environmental officials recommend taking several steps to avoid conflicts with bears, especially now that bears are more active due to mating season.

Bears can be attracted to bird feeders, garbage, uncleaned grills and pet food, according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. It advises putting garbage out the morning of collection and bringing any pet food indoors overnight.

DEEP recommends always keeping doors and windows secured, as bears can easily bust through screens. It also advises trying to scare bears away if you see them, and always keeping pets on leashes.

For more information on bears in Connecticut, click on this link.