Southington Black Bear Sightings Increase

Some Southington residents are getting unconventional neighbors: Black bears.

At least eight black bears are living in Southington, according to the Record-Journal.

Black bear sightings are becoming more common across Connecticut. One of the animals has become a mini-celebrity in Shelton and sometimes makes the trip to Stratford.

Other encounters haven’t been as pleasant, with one bear chasing two people in Granby. The bear was euthanized due to its aggressive behavior.

Related:

• Video: Shelton Bear Wanders Out for an Evening Stroll
• Listen: Frantic 911 Calls as a Bear Chases People in Granby
• Photos: Bear and Cubs Spotted in Southington Backyard

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection estimates that there are between 500 and 700 black bears in Connecticut.

The Southington bear is a 6-year-old female with three 2-month-old cubs. She had denned in Farmington the last two winters.

Read the full Record-Journal report here.

Image via Southington resident Dominik Migalski from early May.