The encounter was captured on video Tuesday night, showing the bear roaming around the home\u2019s front entrance.<\/p>\n
BETHLEHEM, Connecticut \u2014 A homeowner in\u00a0Bethlehem<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n The encounter was captured on video Tuesday night, showing the bear roaming around the home\u2019s front entrance and interacting with the camera before leaving with an empty bird feeder.<\/p>\n Neighbors said this type of wildlife encounter is not unusual, especially during warmer temperatures and where animals become more active.<\/p>\n The homeowner, who asked not to be identified, said she didn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n The homeowner reported the bear bent a pole and took off with a suet feeder that had only crumbs left inside.<\/p>\n Sign up for the FOX61 newsletters:\u00a0Morning Forecast, Morning Headlines, Evening Headlines<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cI went over a hill one day and the bear went across the road,\u201d Dibner said. \u201cThis is a country town. They live and breed here, just like we do.\u201d<\/p>\n Another neighbor, Brandon Lane, echoed that sentiment, noting that most encounters are harmless.<\/p>\n \u201cMost of the time, they mean no harm,\u201d Lane said. \u201cIt\u2019s something we have to live with. We\u2019re living here in the country, and we have to live with them, just as they live with us.\u201d<\/p>\n 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\u2019s bear population grows and expands its range, human encounters are becoming more frequent.<\/p>\n Officials also caution that bears can become \u201cfood-conditioned.\u201d They say this can increase risks to public safety and lead to property damage involving homes, vehicles, pets and livestock.<\/p>\n \u201cThese animals have a strong sense of smell,\u201d Lane added. \u201cThey know what they\u2019re looking for and what they\u2019re not.\u201d<\/p>\n Neighbors and officials stress the importance of securing food sources, including trash and outdoor feeders, to avoid attracting wildlife.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have to make sure we\u2019re doing the right things,\u201d Dibner said. \u201cSometimes we invite these animals in without realizing it, like leaving trash out.\u201d<\/p>\n State officials encourage anyone who encounters wildlife near their home to report sightings.<\/p>\n Vallery Maravi is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at\u00a0vmaravi@fox61.com<\/a>. Follow her on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0X<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Black bear sightings increase in Connecticut as spring approaches<\/a><\/p>\n Bear breaks into Simsbury home; family recounts frightening moments<\/a><\/p>\n Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at\u00a0newstips@fox61.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS<\/p>\n Download the FOX61 News APP<\/p>\n iTunes:\u00a0Click here<\/a> to download<\/p>\n Google Play:\u00a0Click here<\/a> to download<\/p>\n Stream Live on ROKU:\u00a0Add the channel from the ROKU store<\/a> or by searching FOX61.<\/p>\n Stream Live on FIRE TV: Search \u2018FOX61\u2019 and click \u2018Get\u2019 to download.<\/p>\n FOLLOW US ON\u00a0X<\/a>,\u00a0FACEBOOK<\/a>\u00a0&\u00a0INSTAGRAM<\/a><\/p>\n