Bear Attacks Avon Resident's Dog: Report

AVON, CT — An Avon resident says his dog is recovering after being attacked by a bear last week.

According to WTNH Channel 8, the incident happened last Friday while the man was playing with his dog outside. The dog sustained "several bites and claw wounds," during the attack.

According to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, folks this time of year need to be bear aware. There have been 5,764 reported bear sightings across Connecticut in 2026. A total of 191 sightings have been reported in Avon.

State wildlife officials with DEEP are reminding residents to take precautions around their homes and outdoors to reduce the risk of encounters.

They advise residents to remove food sources that attract bears, including bird feeders, from late March through November.

Officials also recommend storing garbage securely, keeping pet food indoors, and cleaning barbecue grills after every use.

Bears are opportunistic feeders and can be drawn into neighborhoods by easy access to food, according to DEEP.

Residents should store trash in airtight containers inside a garage or other enclosed structure and place bins at the curb only on the morning of pickup.

Read More:

• 2 Brothers Killed In Shooting ‘Touched The Lives Of So Many People,’ Family Says
• Woman Accused Of Leaving Newborn Son In Dumpster Charged With Murder
• CT Man Who Fell To His Death At Concert Recalled For Bringing ‘Warmth And Laughter Wherever He Went’

Compost piles should not contain meat scraps, fruit peels or other sweet-smelling foods that may attract wildlife.

Pet owners are encouraged to supervise dogs outdoors and keep them on short leashes while hiking, as roaming dogs can provoke defensive behavior from bears.

For those spending time outdoors, DEEP recommends hiking in groups and making noise to avoid surprising a bear.

Hikers should avoid traveling at dawn, dusk or after dark when bears are more active.

Campers are advised to keep food, toiletries and other scented items out of tents and store them in vehicles or bear-resistant containers at least 100 feet from sleeping areas.

If a bear is encountered, officials urge people to remain calm and avoid running.

Instead, speak in a calm voice, slowly back away while keeping the animal in sight, and make yourself appear larger by raising your arms or moving to higher ground.

If a bear continues to approach, DEEP recommends becoming more assertive by shouting, making loud noises, and throwing objects such as rocks or sticks.

While black bear attacks are rare, officials stress that people should never play dead during an attack.

"If attacked by a black bear, fight back vigorously," DEEP advises. People should use any available object and focus defensive actions on the bear's face and muzzle.

State officials say removing attractants remains the most effective way to prevent conflicts and keep both people and bears safe.

For the full WTNH Channel 8 report, click on this link.

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