Tiny Bear Spotted In Tall Tree In Hartford: Report

HARTFORD, CT — A tiny black bear sitting high in a tree drew a crowd of onlookers in Hartford Thursday afternoon, according to the Hartford Courant.

The bear, which a neighbor said appeared to be "a little sleepy," was spotted in a tree on Farmington Avenue near the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center, the outlet reported.

Bear sightings in Hartford and elsewhere in Connecticut are not uncommon, especially during this time of year. In fact, the black bear population in Connecticut has increased rapidly since the early 2000s and is only expected to continue, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Black bears don't typically cause problems for their human neighbors as they are "generally shy and secretive and usually fearful of humans," however, there are some things you should do to keep yourself, your family, and your pets safe, the department said.

If you see a bear, you should only observe it from a distance, never attempt to attract or feed it, advertise your presence by shouting and waving your arms or slowly walk away, and report the sighting to the Wildlife Division, according to the DEEP.