Bear Attacks Bristol Dog In Yard

BRISTOL, CT — A Golden Retriever needed surgery after being attacked by a bear in a Bristol yard.

Resident Marie Stuckman said the family's dog Charlie was playing with daughter Emily, 12, when the bear went into the family's trash cans and then into the yard, according to WTNH.

The bear ran up to Charlie and clawed him, Stuckman said. They rushed Charlie to the veterinarian where he got 10 stitches.

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection officials told WTNH that they won't relocate the bear.

Its the second recent close encounter with a bear in Connecticut. A bear was killed after it entered an occupied Torrington home. The yearling took a loaf of bread while an occupant hid in a room and called 911.

Connecticut's bear population is on the rise and sightings have become a common occurrence throughout the state in recent years. Generally DEEP doesn't respond to bear sightings as most will leave occupied areas for more natural environments. They are generally attracted to the smell of food.

DEEP typically only relocates bears if they make their way to an urban location. Bears that attack protected livestock or enter buildings are typically killed.

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