In June, a black bear was shot and killed in Canton by an individual who claimed it was in self-defense. Last year, a bear entered a bakery in Avon, frightened employees, and ate 60 cupcakes before leaving. In 2022, a bear caused damage inside two vehicles in Cornwall.
State officials have reported a few non-fatal bear encounters with humans over the past two years and an increase in bears entering homes.
“Always keep your car doors locked if bears are present in your area and avoid leaving out food that might attract them,” advised Ethan Van Ness, a senior adviser at the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Bears began returning to Connecticut in the 1980s, and their numbers have been steadily growing. There are currently an estimated 1,000 to 1,200 bears in the state, with sightings reported in all 169 towns, though they are most commonly seen in the northwestern part of the state.