WEST HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – More than 12,000 bear sightings were reported across Connecticut in 2025.<\/p>\n
According to new state data, bears have been appearing in areas where they haven\u2019t been seen before.<\/p>\n
West Hartford led the state in bear sightings with nearly 1,100 reported cases. Simsbury came in second with nearly 700 sightings, while Farmington recorded more than 500.<\/p>\n
Tom Gionfriddo said he saw one on his West Hartford property.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe seemed harmless,\u201d Gionfriddo said. \u201cJust looking for some food.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wildlife officials said bears are moving deeper into populated neighborhoods as they search for food.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s one near my daughter\u2019s school in Duffy,\u201d said Chris Hughes, a West Hartford resident. \u201cHe likes to hang out in the trees sometimes. I have to close my door when he\u2019s around. Then, in the north side in Simsbury, I\u2019ve seen a couple.\u201d<\/p>\n
If anyone comes face-to-face with a bear, experts said not to run. Instead, people should make their presence known by yelling, clapping or making loud noises, then slowly backing away.<\/p>\n
Simple prevention steps can make a big difference, according to experts. <\/p>\n
They said to keep a lid on trash containers, don\u2019t leave pet food outside, and remove anything that could attract a bear.<\/p>\n
\u201cKeep your trash in your garage, or at least bag it, so the smell can be contained,” Gionfriddo said.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t engage, make sure you know where your children are, [where] your pets are, and just leave them alone,\u201d Hughes added.<\/p>\n