'It's That Time Of The Year Again': Bear Spotted In Orange, Police Say

ORANGE, CT — A black bear was spotted recently in Orange, police said.

"It's that time of the year again! The Orange Police Department received its first report this morning of a black bear in the Derby Milford Road by Prudden Lane neighborhood," police wrote on Facebook.

"Bear sightings are very common in Connecticut and we request that you only call us when there is a threat or an emergency associated with a bear. Please do not feed nor approach the bear, they are only foraging for food. Keep your distance and respect all wildlife."

The state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection has information about "Living with Black Bears" in Connecticut.

The department said that reports of black bear sightings, even in heavily populated residential areas, are on the rise.

Related: 100s Of Bear Sightings Reported In CT: See Town By Town Numbers