Bear Sightings, Home Invasions In CT On The Rise: Town-By-Town Updates

CONNECTICUT — The image of a black bear pawing its way into a backyard bird feeder or traipsing through the garbage outside a garage is as Connecticut a picture as tobogganing past the town square gazebo — and that's making state wildlife officials a little uncomfortable.

As bears this month begin to rouse from their season of "denning" — Ursus americanus is not a true hibernator — the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is warning residents to batten down the bear buffets in the hopes of avoiding a repeat of last year's ursine shenanigans.

In 2022, two residents were attacked by bears, and the beasts entered human homes 67 times, far surpassing the previous record of 45.

Seven years ago, bears with cubs were reported in fewer than 50 Connecticut towns, while over the last two years, bears with cubs have been reported in more than 90 municipalities.

As of noon Friday, 711 black bears had been reported in 2023 by Connecticut residents, but the seasonal sightings are just starting.

It may all be coming to a head, but what's more surprising is why it's taken this long. Connecticut is the 4th most densely populated state and the 14th most densely forested, and that's the math that matters when it comes to bear meet-ups. Massachusetts has almost four times the number of bears Connecticut does, yet the Nutmeg State has a much higher number of reported conflicts and vehicle collisions, according to a DEEP report.

"Human-bear conflicts are increasing – both in frequency and severity," DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. "It is critically important to the health of our bear population, and for the safety of Connecticut residents, that residents understand that we have bears in our communities, and the role they play in preventing the habituation of bears."

Most importantly, that involves keeping human food and backyard bird feeders away from bear mouths. Not only do the sight and smells of your bird oases attract bears, but they reward them for journeying close to your home. That same principle applies to trash cans that aren't tightly covered.

Some Connecticut towns are done asking nicely, and have instituted ordinances against intentionally feeding bears, which includes prohibiting bird feeders during the warmer part of the year. Ordinances have been passed in the following towns: Colebrook (2010), Hartland (2019), Barkhamsted (2020), Simsbury (2020), East Granby (2020), Granby (2021), Manchester (2021), Farmington (2021), and Salisbury (2022).

There's also a bill working its way through the legislature in Hartford that would ban the intentional and unintentional feeding of potentially dangerous wildlife such as bears.

"Bears that are rewarded by easy meals spend more time in neighborhoods and near people, increasing risks to public safety, the likelihood of property damage, and the possibility that the bears may be hit and killed by vehicles," Jenny Dickson, DEEP Wildlife Division Director, said.

In addition to stowing your bird feeders during the spring and summer, state wildlife biologists advise keeping garbage cans inside, and adding ammonia to your trash to make it unpalatable.

Residents should make a point of cleaning their grills after use, and DEEP recommends they be stored, minus their propane cans, in a garage or shed when not in use. Outside compost piles should not contain meat or sweets.

Report a Bear Sighting

If after all that, you still spy a bear, let authorities know, online here. DEEP's Wildlife Division has been conducting a long-term study of the state's growing black bear population, how it's growing and moving, and residents' reports are essential.

As part of that research, technicians have been tagging Yogi behind the ears. Here are the color coded tags, decoded:

Never approach a bear. They're big, they're smart, have claws like knives, and you're probably between them and their breakfast. If you encounter a bear while in your yard or hiking, experts advise making your presence known by yelling or making other loud noises. If in your yard, go into your house, garage, or other structure. If you are stuck outside and the bear remains intent on getting in your face, DEEP advises to "go on the offensive:" shout, wave your arms, and throw sticks or rocks.

And if a bear attacks you, do not "play dead." It may work in Hollywood, but in Harwinton, it'll just get you mauled or killed.