Living With Bears In Connecticut: What You Need To Know

Bears are a growing presence in Connecticut, and while they're an important part of our ecosystem, safely sharing space with them is essential.

"Black bears are the only bear species found in Connecticut," says Tracy Rittenhouse, an associate professor in UConn's Department of Natural Resources and the Environment. "They typically avoid people, but they're curious animals and are always on the lookout for food, especially during the spring when they are emerging from hibernation and in the fall, as bears eat as much as possible to build fat for hibernation."

The challenge arises as we coexist in spaces, with more houses being built in wooded areas. The state's bear population is expanding into new areas and once a female with cubs establishes a home range in a town, the number of bears in that town will continue to increase for several years.

Bears become comfortable around people if they learn that residential areas provide easy meals, examples include birdseed, garbage, pet food, and fallen apples from trees. Easy meals lead to new habits for bears and more frequent human encounters. An example of a new habit in Connecticut is bears entering homes, with 70 reports of bears entering homes in the 2024 State of the Bears report.

Connecticut's black bear population is estimated at around 1,200 in total. While most live west of the Connecticut River, the population is expanding to the eastern side of the state.

Adults weigh from 250 to 550 pounds, and a female can have between one and five cubs. Bears prefer to live in forestland and areas with thick underbrush, making many of our landscapes ideal habitats. While grasses, fruits, nuts, and berries are usual food sources, bears are omnivores, and will also eat insects, small mammals, livestock, and deer. Their excellent sense of smell easily leads them to food sources.

"Sometimes residents with good intentions accidentally put themselves, their loved ones, and their neighbors at increased risk through their actions, like hanging nectar-filled feeders which are just as attractive to large black bears as they are to delicate hummingbirds," says Amy Harder, associate dean for extension in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR). "That's why one of the main roles of UConn Extension is to share expertise from the University to help residents make informed decisions."

Removing food sources helps prevent bear conflicts. Here are a few simple steps:

1. Secure your garbage bins. Store them in a garage or shed if possible and put them out only on the morning of pickup.
2. Take down bird feeders. Bird feeders attract bears and should especially be removed from March to November when natural food is available.
3. Pick up fallen fruit. Tree fruits and garden crops are another easy meal, especially apples, pumpkins, and other seasonal crops.
4. Feed pets indoors. Pet food should be provided indoors or remove the outdoor bowls immediately after feeding.

Bear encounters still occur, even with the necessary precautions. It's important to know how to respond to ensure safety.

"If you encounter a bear, stay calm. Do not run. Bears typically avoid confrontation and will move away if they don't feel threatened," Rittenhouse says. "Instead, back away slowly while facing the bear. Make yourself look large by raising your arms or standing on a chair. Use a calm voice and give the bear plenty of space to retreat."

Hikers and those working outdoors in areas where bears are active should consider carrying bear spray as a precaution, which offers a highly effective, nonlethal deterrent if used correctly. Bear spray must be easily accessible while working or hiking and users should pay attention to the wind direction to avoid spraying themselves.

If you have seen bears in your neighborhood, consider keeping bear spray accessible when grilling in your backyard. Don't leave a big plate of food on the table next to the grill. Pets and children should be supervised outdoors in neighborhoods where bears are regularly observed.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) tracks bear sightings and encourages everyone to report bear sightings. This is especially important if the bear is approaching people or damaging property. Wildlife officials monitor bear activity and educate communities about staying safe. So far, there have already been 500 bear sightings in 2025, and last year, sightings were reported in 159 of Connecticut's 169 municipalities, according to DEEP, with Simsbury reporting the greatest number of sightings at 967.

If you live near bears, consider installing an electric fence around your garden, especially during peak growing season. Bear noses are knee-height, and fences should have three or four strands. Harvest ripe fruits and vegetables and remove rotting produce. Use bear-resistant compost bins and avoid putting food scraps or fruit waste into open piles. Beekeepers also need to protect their hives.

UConn's bear story map shows bear activity and the geographic locations with the highest bear and human conflict frequency. The story map documents research completed in 2012 and 2013 into the population size and location throughout the state. There is a new study by Rittenhouse and partners that will describe quantitatively how much diet and movements have changed over the last 10 years.

"Bears are not out to harm us. Coexisting with bears means respecting their presence and taking steps to discourage bears from using areas frequented by people. If we remove food attractants, bears are less likely to spend time in backyards," Rittenhouse says. "By taking simple steps around your home, garden, and yard, we can reduce bear conflicts and live alongside one of Connecticut's most iconic wild animals."

This work relates to CAHNR's Strategic Vision area focused on Fostering Sustainable Landscapes at the Urban-Rural Interface.