DEEP: As Bears Get Fat, There's a Bigger Chance For Human Conflict

CONNECTICUT — State wildlife officials Monday said to beware of hangry bears.

That's right, Connecticut officials are urging residents to take precautions this fall as black bears enter a period of increased feeding and human-bear conflicts continue to rise across the state.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said it has documented more than 60 bear entries into homes across 20 municipalities so far in 2026. Bears have been reported in all 169 Connecticut municipalities, according to DEEP.

The DEEP said bear home entries have increased significantly over the past seven years. The agency also cited data from the Massachusetts Department of Natural Resources showing five bear home entries in Massachusetts in 2025, despite that state having a larger black bear population than Connecticut.

Officials said bears can become accustomed to people after repeatedly finding food such as birdseed, garbage and pet food. Those bears can become less fearful of humans and may spend more time in residential areas, increasing the potential for property damage, attacks on pets and livestock, and other public safety concerns.

The risk increases in the fall, when bears enter a period known as hyperphagia, an intense feeding period in which they may consume up to 20,000 calories a day in preparation for winter, the DEEP said. Human food sources can provide those calories much more easily than natural food sources.

“When bears find food in our trash, birdfeeders, or pet dishes, they lose their natural fear of people and end up in our backyards, putting our families and pets at risk,” Acting DEEP Commissioner Emma Cimino said.

Jenny Dickson, director of the DEEP's Wildlife Division, said residents should avoid providing bears with access to food.

“Never feed bears, don’t be the reason your family or neighbors are put in a dangerous situation,” Dickson said.

The DEEP recommends that residents take several steps to reduce the likelihood of bear encounters, including:

• Never intentionally feed bears. DEEP said doing so is illegal in Connecticut.
• Use bear-resistant trash containers and keep garbage in secure, airtight containers inside a garage or storage area until the morning of collection.
• Avoid putting birdfeeders outside, including hummingbird and suet feeders.
• Do not leave pet food outside or feed pets outdoors.
• Keep barbecue grills clean and store them inside when possible.
• Do not leave birdseed, suet or recyclables in porches or screened-in areas.
• Keep dogs supervised and on short leashes outdoors.
• Use electric fencing to protect beehives, crops, chickens and livestock.
• Avoid putting meat scraps or sweet foods in compost piles.

DEEP said these measures can significantly reduce the chances of encountering a bear around a home but cannot eliminate the possibility entirely.

If a bear enters a yard, residents should not approach, corner or chase it. People should bring children and pets inside and remain in a safe location. From a safe distance, residents can attempt to scare a bear away by yelling, clapping or making loud noises with pots and pans, a whistle or an airhorn, provided the bear has an escape route and the person does not put themselves at risk.

Hikers are also advised to take precautions. The DEEP recommends hiking in groups, making periodic noise and backing away quietly if a bear is spotted before it notices the person. If a bear approaches, hikers should make loud noises, wave their arms and back away slowly rather than running or climbing a tree.

The DEEP said aggression by black bears toward humans is exceptionally rare. However, residents should exercise caution because bears are wild animals and can behave unpredictably.

Residents who see a black bear are encouraged to report the sighting to DEEP's Wildlife Division. Reports can help the agency monitor bear activity and human-bear conflicts.

In cases involving a bear that appears aggressive toward people, residents should contact the DEEP 24-hour Dispatch Center at 860-424-3333.