Newtown Police Investigating Shooting Of Bear

NEWTOWN, CT — Local police and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection are actively investigating the shooting of a female bear in Newtown that occurred on Thursday.

DEEP has left the surviving bear cubs in the area as it is their home range, and their familiarity with the area will increase their chance of success, according to a statement from the Newtown Police Department.

State wildlife officials are urging people not to feed the bear cubs, as that would reduce their survival chances. Feeding the cubs would also reduce their fear of people, and create a public safety hazard. Newtown is working with DEEP to monitor the bear cubs, police said.

Any witnesses to the incident are requested to notify DEEP at 860-424-3011.

Anyone who observes a black bear in Connecticut is encouraged to report the sighting on DEEP’s website.