Bear Struck, Killed On I-84 In West Hartford

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A bear was struck and killed on I-84 in West Hartford on Thursday afternoon, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Connecticut State Police Troop H notified the DEEP that the bear has been struck and crews from the Wildlife Division are responding to the scene to remove the remains of the bear, according DEEP officials. DEEP spokesman Chris Collibee said that about 40 to 50 bears are struck by vehicles each year in Connecticut.

It’s been a rough week for bears in West Hartford. An injured bear was found hiding under a shed in a backyard in West Hartford earlier this week. The bear had an injured paw after getting caught in a trap and dragged it to its hiding place, according to the Hartford Courant. The bear was eventually tranquilized and removed from the yard.

With bear sightings on the rise in Connecticut, DEEP officials say if you encounter a bear to remain calm and observe the bear from a distance.

“Do not approach or try to get closer to a bear,” according to the state DEEP website. “If the bear is unaware of your presence, back away or make noise which will often cause the bear to flee. If the bear is aware of you and does not flee, talk to the bear in a calm voice and back away slowly. Never run or climb a tree. If the bear approaches, be offensive. Make more noise, wave your arms, and throw objects at the bear. Black bears rarely attack humans. However, if you are attacked, do not play dead. Fight back with anything available.”

DEEP officials offer the following steps on what to do to avoid conflicts and problems if you find a bear near your home.

Bears are attracted to garbage, pet food, compost piles, fruit trees, and birdfeeders.

DO remove birdfeeders and bird food from late March through November.

DO eliminate food attractants by placing garbage cans inside a garage or shed. Add ammonia to trash to make it unpalatable.

DO clean and store grills in a garage or shed after use. (Propane cylinders should be stored outside.)

DON'T intentionally feed bears. Bears that become accustomed to finding food near your home may become "problem" bears.

DON'T approach or try to get closer to a bear to get a photo or video.

DON'T leave pet food outside overnight.

DON'T add meat or sweets to a compost pile.

Read more at the state DEEP website here.

To sign up for West Hartford breaking news alerts and more, click here.