Bear Hangs Out In Tree In West Hartford: Video

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A bear that was sleeping in a backyard and eventually made its way up a tree on Tuesday morning is still there, West Hartford Police said in an update around 3:30 p.m. Police received a call shortly after 7:30 a.m. on March 5 from 48 Lostbrook Rd. reporting a bear sleeping in the backyard, according to Capt. Michael Perruccio.

Perruccio said the Animal Control Officer responded along with police officers and the bear eventually made its way up a tree in the yard. The bear was still up in the tree as of 3:30 p.m., which Perruccio said “is common for them especially as the temperature drops.”

“The bear has not shown any signs of aggression and in consultation with the CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP), best practices are to leave the bear alone,” Perruccio said. “The PD will check back periodically on the bear. Citizens are encouraged to give the bear its space and to call 9-1-1 if the bear does become aggressive in any way.”

NBC Connecticut shared live video of the bear just hanging out in the tree on Tuesday morning. The "live look" has more than 22,000 views already.

The bear has been up in the tree since 6:30 a.m., according to Fox 61. Police responded as the tree is near a local elementary school, Fox reports. The bear is about 30 feet up in the tree.

Officials at Norfeldt Elementary tell WTNH News 8 that they are keeping a close eye on the bear.