With Bear Sightings on the Rise in Connecticut, Here's What to Do if You See One

Written by Chris Dehnel (Patch Staff)

Black bear sightings are on the increase all over Connecticut.

Thus, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has been offering a few tips on what to do if an encounter takes place.

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Here are some basic tips from the DEEP:

• Observe bears from distance.
• Make noise if you need to encourage them to leave your yard or to get them out of your way in outdoor settings like hiking and camping.
• If bear is seen in populated or heavily trafficked area or if the animal is acting boldly, call local police or talk to animal control officer. In case of true emergency situation call DEEP at 860-424-3333.
• Secure garbage can lids and try to prevent access for bears.
• Clean your outdoor grill grease traps - bear love to pry them loose and lick the drippings.

In the past year, the DEEP says there have been 4,674 bear sightings in Connecticut. For a breakdown from most to least sightings click here.

Click here for the DEEP's bear page.

Bears can saunter into a back yard looking for food. For example, an animal control officer in Vernon said a black bear was seen in a local yard, drinking drippings from a grill grease trap, "like a beer," and a bear recently attacked a goat at a private home in Ellington.

Click here for more sighting accounts.

Photo Credit: Paul Fusco/CT DEEP-Wildlife