Connecticut DEEP Releases New Data on Bear Sightings

Black bear sightings continue to be on the rise in Connecticut. And as the bears settle in for a long winter's nap, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has released new, 12-month statistics on sightings.

Avon continues to lead the way with 600, followed by Farmington with more than 500. They are an overwhelming No. 1 and No. 2.

Here is a look at the top dozen Connecticut towns in terms of reported bear sightings from Jan. 16, 2016 through Jan. 2, 2017:

1. Avon 600
2. Farmington 501
3. Southbury 283
4. Simsbury 280
5. Burlington 268
6. West Hartford 267
7. Canton 245
8. New Milford 223
9. Torrington: 195
10. Woodbury: 168
11. Winchester: 149
12. Granby 147

On the flip side Greenwich, Darien, New London, Waterford, and Stonington reported no sightings, while New Canaan had one siting and so did Milford.

Other towns reporting sightings include: Branford, 49, Hamden, 6, Manchester, 20, Naugatuck, 20, New Haven 6, Newtown, 126, Oxford, 108, Ridgefield, 9, Southington, 95, Stratford, 2, Tolland, 71, Trumbull, 2, Wallingford, 11, Wilton, 31, Danbury, 48, and Guilford, 51.

Click here for the DEEP bear page and to see a full town-by-town listing.

Photo Credit: Paul Fusco/CT DEEP-Wildlife