(Updated With Video): Huge Black Bear Spotted in Naugatuck

A Naugatuck resident spotted a huge black bear in town Thursday night.

The bear was spotted on Fieldstone Terrace around 8:30 p.m.

This is not the first bear sighting in Naugatuck. Bear sightings have been reported in May and June.

Bears are becoming more common in Connecticut as former farmlands have reverted to wooded areas. 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.

If you see a bear:

• Enjoy 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 Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Wildlife Division, at (860) 675-8130.

Bears are attracted to bird feeders, garbage cans, pet food and any other easy sources of food.

Bears that become comfortable around people lose their natural fear and can become more aggressive, according to the National Park Service. The service also recommends people in groups gather together to present a more intimidating figure.

For more information about the Connecticut bear population and measures to take to avoid attracting bears, click here.

Image courtesy Kendra Dome Frederick