Bear Spotted In Stamford, Residents Warned: Police

STAMFORD, CT — A bear was spotted in Stamford on Monday, according to police who posted about the sighting on Monday afternoon.

The bear was seen in the Springdale area of the city, notably near Prudence Drive.

"Animal control is aware that the bear is injured and tracking its movements," police said.

Residents should call 203-977-4437 to report sightings to Animal Control. The SPD can also be reached at 203-977-4444. Police warned residents to not approach the bear.

In 2024, bears were reported in 159 of Connecticut’s 169 towns and cities.

Notably, sightings of sows with cubs — which indicate breeding populations — were confirmed in over 89 towns, according to the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Over the past three years, sows with offspring have been reported in 117 municipalities, showing the continued geographic expansion of the state’s breeding bear population, particularly from western Connecticut eastward.

The 2025 “State of the Bears” briefing outlines the agency’s efforts to manage the growing black bear population, estimated between 1,000 and 1,200 animals.

The report highlights an increase in both bear sightings and encounters, including home break-ins and attacks on livestock, with state officials urging residents to remain vigilant and avoid attracting bears with unsecured food sources.

— This post contains previous reporting from Patch Editor Rich Kirby