Black bear caught on camera at Bethlehem home, sparking wildlife reminder

The encounter was captured on video Tuesday night, showing the bear roaming around the home’s front entrance.

BETHLEHEM, Connecticut — A homeowner in Bethlehem discovered an unexpected late-night visitor this week after checking her home security camera and finding a black bear that wandered up to her front door.

The encounter was captured on video Tuesday night, showing the bear roaming around the home’s front entrance and interacting with the camera before leaving with an empty bird feeder.

Neighbors said this type of wildlife encounter is not unusual, especially during warmer temperatures and where animals become more active.

The homeowner, who asked not to be identified, said she didn’t realize the bear stopped by until reviewing the footage about 30 minutes later, around 10:30 p.m. She said her immediate concern was for her chickens, but she said none were harmed.

The homeowner reported the bear bent a pole and took off with a suet feeder that had only crumbs left inside.

Longtime neighbors say bear sightings in Bethlehem and nearby towns are fairly common. Eric Dibner of Southbury said he has seen bears in the area for years, including mothers with cubs.

“I went over a hill one day and the bear went across the road,” Dibner said. “This is a country town. They live and breed here, just like we do.”

Another neighbor, Brandon Lane, echoed that sentiment, noting that most encounters are harmless.

“Most of the time, they mean no harm,” Lane said. “It’s something we have to live with. We’re living here in the country, and we have to live with them, just as they live with us.”

Wildlife experts say sightings tend to increase in the spring as bears emerge and search for food. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection warns that as the state’s bear population grows and expands its range, human encounters are becoming more frequent.

Officials also caution that bears can become “food-conditioned.” They say this can increase risks to public safety and lead to property damage involving homes, vehicles, pets and livestock.

“These animals have a strong sense of smell,” Lane added. “They know what they’re looking for and what they’re not.”

Neighbors and officials stress the importance of securing food sources, including trash and outdoor feeders, to avoid attracting wildlife.

“We have to make sure we’re doing the right things,” Dibner said. “Sometimes we invite these animals in without realizing it, like leaving trash out.”

State officials encourage anyone who encounters wildlife near their home to report sightings.

Vallery Maravi is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at vmaravi@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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Black bear caught on camera at Bethlehem home, sparking wildlife reminder

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