WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – Bears have been spotted in every town and city in Connecticut this year, and wildlife officials said conflicts with them have increased.<\/p>\n
State officials are warning residents to take precautions with trash cans and yards this fall to protect neighborhoods from bears.<\/p>\n
Break-ins on the rise<\/p>\n
Newly released state wildlife data said bears are getting comfortable breaking into more homes for food.<\/p>\n
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection reported more than 60 incidents of bears entering homes so far in 2026.<\/p>\n
DEEP said that is high compared to Massachusetts, where there were only five documented break-ins last year, despite that state having a much larger bear population.<\/p>\n
Wildlife experts said this time of year, bears want to fill up on food before hibernation and may eat up to 20,000 calories a day.<\/p>\n
Precautions for residents<\/p>\n
The experts said residents should keep trash bags inside until trash day or request a bear-resistant trash can.<\/p>\n
If a bear is spotted, the said to never approach it, bring children and pets inside, and yell, shout, or clap loudly. If the bear climbs a tree, leave it alone.<\/p>\n