Bear Followed Hikers At Sleeping Giant In Hamden: Report

HAMDEN, CT — Several hikers reported being followed by a black bear on the trails at Sleeping Giant State Park on Friday, according to the Sleeping Giant Park Association.

Two different hikers reported seeing a large black bear on Sleeping Giant on Friday, March 4. A group of hikers said they were followed around 3 p.m. on the orange trail near the yellow/green in the middle of the park, according to a post on the Sleeping Giant Park Association’s Facebook page.

A single trail-runner reported being followed down the red square trail to Mt. Carmel Avenue around 5 p.m., the post states.

“Be aware of your surroundings when hiking and, as always, keep dogs on a leash,” the post reads.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection offers the following tips if you see a bear:

• Observe it from a distance.
• Advertise your presence by shouting and waving your arms or walk slowly away.
• Never attempt to feed or attract bears.
• Report bear sightings to the Wildlife Division (or call 860-424-3011).