Bear Leaves Man Injured In Southbury

SOUTHBURY, CT — A 38-year-old hiker from Newtown was injured after being knocked down by a bear in Southbury Saturday, according to EnCon Police.

The hiker was near Lake Zoar and was knocked down by the bear, according to NBC Connecticut. He managed to get away and the bear fled into the woods. The hiker was transported to the hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Traps have been set to capture the bear, according to Fox 61.

Black bears have become more common in Connecticut in recent years, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. They normally will avoid people, but food such as bird feeders or trash can attract them toward residential areas.

Bear sightings can be reported to DEEP online or by calling 860-424-3011.