It’s bear season in Connecticut! What to do if you see one

CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — It’s a busy time for bears in Connecticut.

“It’s bear time because we are in mating season and our mama bears from last year are kicking their young out now,” Simsbury Animal Control Officer Deb Clark said.

Clark said that this year, she’s already received more than 200 bear calls. It’s approximately double the number of calls they had received at this time last year.

“We want the bears to stay wild, so we ask people, as soon as you see them, scare them,” Clark said.

Clark said that’s especially important to keep in mind if you see a bear walking towards your trash can.

“Because once they start eating, that’s when they look at you and say, ‘No. I’m going to stay here,'” Clark said.

She recommends bear-resistant trash barrels to avoid having an unwanted visitor.

Looking across the state, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) said bears can be spotted in every community. Last year, bears were reported in 165 out of 169 cities and towns in the state.

As these sightings will only continue, remember to:

• Not feed bears, accidentally or intentionally
• Remove bird feeders from late-March through November
• Clean your grill
• Supervise pets outdoors
• If you see a bear, don’t approach it

DEEP said taking these steps will help prevent human-bear conflicts and protect the bears in your community.

“My job is to educate our public, so we can be safe with the bear and our wildlife, not just bears,” Clark said.

For a closer look at DEEP’s guidance, click here .

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