Black Bear Seen In Stratford Yard

STRATFORD, CT — A Stratford household had an unexpected guest Tuesday morning, when a black bear paid a visit to a resident’s yard.

The resident said in a post on Stratford Patch that the animal was seen about 8 a.m. outside the home near Roosevelt Forest.

“It opened the gate to our pool area and knocked over some bird feeders,” the resident said.

So far this year, there have been at least 23 bear sightings in Stratford, according to an interactive map from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. In recent months, Patch readers have reported seeing bears outside Flood Middle School, near St. Mark’s Church and in several other locations.

Connecticut is seeing an “unprecedented” number of black bears entering homes in 2020, according to the state environmental department. Through July 8, the department has received more reports of bears entering homes — 25 — than in any previous year. The state is on track to triple the average number of home entries of 2018 and 2019.

Some bear interactions have been serious, including cases in which the animals "gravely" injured leashed and unleashed dogs, state officials have said. Black bears that "access and consume human-associated food" like birdseed, trash and pet food on a regular basis become "habituated" or comfortable around people, which leads them to be food-conditioned toward humans, according to state officials.

Much of Connecticut's landscape is suitable for black bears, according to the environmental department. The state experienced a surge in the bear population between the 1980s and early 2000s that is expected to continue.

Residents who see a bear are advised to shout and wave their arms or walk away slowly, and refrain from feeding or attracting the animal. To report a bear sighting to the state wildlife division, visit bit.ly/3dTyyyE or call 860-424-3011. For more information on how to handle bears near your home, visit portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Wildlife/Fact-Sheets/Black-Bear.