Bear Sightings, Coyote and a Fisher Cat Attack; American Idol Champ Comes From CT; Community Mourns After Girl Drowns: Nearby News

The top Connecticut Patch stories of the past week includes:

Animal news, which means a lot of bear and coyote sightings across the state

• Dog Owner Speaks Out After Fisher Cat Attack
• Coyotes Confront Hikers in Lyme Preserve: Lyme Conservation Trust
• Coyote Attacks Reported in Darien
• Video: Shelton Bear Wanders Out for an Evening Stroll
• Bear Spotted in Naugatuck: Police
• Southington Black Bear Sightings Increase
• ‘Shelton’ Black Bear Spotted in Stratford
• WATCH: Baby Owl Falls From Nest; Taken In by Local Rescue
• Glastonbury Man Is Charged with Cruelty to Animals
• Police: Westport Man Hit Girlfriend, Threw Dog Out of House
• Woman Reported Pug Attack Near Darien/Stamford Town Line
• Four Cats Rescued from Meriden Crown Village

Police and fire news

• 12-Year-Old Girls Dies After Being Pulled from the Naugatuck River
• Newtown Man Allegedly Threatens to Kill Restaurant Owner; Kicks in Police Cruiser Window
• UPDATE: Husband Tried to Rescue His Wife From a House Fire: Guilford Police
• 8-Year-Old Waterford Boy Brings Lost Wallet to Police
• Branford Police Find Crack Cocaine, Heroin, and an Infant in Motel Room
• Police: Drunk Stamford Motorcyclist Topped 100 MPH
• Stratford Police: Man Exposed Himself to Women in Three Separate Incidents
• Update: Danbury Man Killed After Being Hit by Garbage Truck Identified
• Stratford Nurse Put Patients’ At-Risk By Trading Their Prescription Medicine: Police
• UPDATE: Milford Woman’s Killer Sentenced Monday
• Jogger, Soccer Parents Help Apprehend Motorcycle Thief: North Haven Police
• Four Alleged Prostitutes Arrested in Danbury
• Police: Darien Juvenile’s $300 Sneakers Stolen After Mayweather Vs. Pacquiao Fight
• East Haven Man Accused of Trying to Have Sex With Teen, 14: Police
• New Canaan Police Sergeant Faces Possible Termination
• ‘Not Guilty’ Says Former Newtown Police Sergeant Accused of Selling Steroids
• Physician from Mansfield Is Arrested on Sexual Assault Charges
• Anti-Defamation League Sounds Off on Westport Temple Protesters

Entertainment news including in-depth coverage of Nick Fradiani Jr.’s big win as American Idol Champion

• American Idol Winner Nick Fradiani Jr.’s Life Forever Changed
• VIDEO, PHOTOS: Nick Fradiani on American Idol’s Finale
• Live Nation Notifies Wallingford it Faces ‘Real Threat’ of Closing the Oakdale Theatre
• Milford Oyster Festival Entertainment Headliner Announced
• Wilton Boy With Stuttering Problem Receives Letter from Tiger Woods
• Lyman Orchards Get Mad Men Mention on May 10 Episode

Viral Video

• WATCH: North Haven Grandma, 102, Blows Out Teeth Instead of Birthday Candles

One of the top stories across the entire state

• Update: More Shelton Prom Dresses Labeled ‘Inappropriate’

Photo: Lyme Land Conservation Trust alerted hikers and dog walkers after two people with a dog were confronted by a pair of coyotes on the Red Trail near the vernal pool on the Eno Preserve. (Credit: Lyme Land Conservation Trust)