How Many Bear Sightings Have Been Reported in East Hampton and Portland?

By BRIAN MCCREADY (Patch Staff)

Black bear sightings in Connecticut have become almost a daily occurrence.

According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, in recent years a resident population has become established in Connecticut, primarily in the northwestern region.

Between July 7, 2014 and July 5, 2015, there have been 14 bear sightings in Hampton and five in Portland.

There have been 4,308 sightings so far since last July across the state, with the highest number in Avon at 432 and Burlington at 329.

At one time bear sightings were uncommon outside of the northwest corner, but corridors of wooded areas have made it easier to bears to travel to different parts of the state.

The bear population in Connecticut is expected to increase, making interactions between bears and humans more common. The DEEP says it is important that people learn to adapt to the presence of bears and take necessary precautions to avoid damage and problems.

Useful Links

• How to Report a Black Bear Sighting
• Reports of Black Bear Activity in Connecticut
• CT Bear Fact Sheet

Photo Credit: A group of bears was spotted trying to get into a dumpster in Avon this past April.