Black Bear Sighted in Backyard of Stamford Police Captain

NORWALK, CT - A black bear was spotted roaming through the backyards of homes in Norwalk's Cranbury and West Rocks sections Wednesday morning, one of which is the residence of a Stamford police captain.

The bear was estimated to weigh close to 220 pound and ran through the backyard of Capt. Richard Conklin, reports the Stamford Advocate.

Conklin's wife, Laura Jean, spotted the animal, the first time either of the Conklins have seen one in their yard.

Connecticut's population of black bears is increasing, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and they urge the public not to come in contact with the animals whenever possible.

Over the past year, CT DEEP says that there have been 4,845 black bear sightings in the state.

Click here to read the full story on the Stamford Advocate website.

Patch file photo