The black bear population in Connecticut has rebounded significantly in recent decades, transforming a rare sight into a common occurrence across much of the state. This resurgence has prompted residents to question the actual number of these large mammals sharing their environment. Understanding the current population size and its rapid growth is important for safely sharing the landscape and explains the increasing focus on wildlife management and public awareness efforts.
The Current Population Estimate
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) estimates the state’s resident black bear population, including juveniles, to be between 1,000 and 1,200 animals. This figure represents a healthy and expanding population size.
Wildlife biologists arrive at this number using a combination of methods, recognizing that an exact count of a wild population is impossible. Primary data sources include den studies, GPS tracking of collared individuals, and analysis of thousands of public sighting reports submitted to DEEP. Researchers also employ non-invasive genetic sampling, using hair corrals to collect DNA for population modeling.
Understanding Population Dynamics and Growth
Black bears were extirpated from Connecticut by the mid-1800s, primarily due to habitat loss and unregulated hunting. They began returning in the 1980s, migrating from expanding populations in New York and Massachusetts. This recolonization followed the natural regrowth of forestland across the region after farms were abandoned, creating suitable habitat.
The population growth has been explosive, driven by favorable ecological and behavioral factors. Connecticut’s bears benefit from abundant forest habitat and a lack of natural predators, resulting in high survival rates. Their reproductive success is high compared to other bear populations, often linked to the availability of human-sourced food. Easy access to calorie-rich food allows female bears to enter winter dens in superior nutritional condition, resulting in healthier litters and higher cub survival.
Geographic Concentration and Expansion
The distribution of black bears across Connecticut is not uniform, though the range is continually widening. The highest density remains concentrated in the northwestern part of the state, which was the core area of their re-establishment. This region, characterized by extensive forest cover, still reports the largest volume of sightings.
The population is actively expanding eastward and southward, pushing into central and coastal areas. Bears have been reported in nearly all of the state’s 169 municipalities, demonstrating a comprehensive geographic spread. The expansion of the breeding population is tracked through reports of female bears (sows) with offspring, confirmed in over 89 towns. This movement means residents in suburban and urban environments must be prepared for regular bear visits, as home ranges often overlap with human development.
Practical Steps for Coexistence
Given the expanding bear population, minimizing human-bear conflicts requires consistent public action focused on removing attractants.
Securing Food Sources
Securing household garbage is paramount, involving storing trash in secure, airtight containers inside a garage or shed until collection day. Cleaning outdoor barbecue grills after every use and storing them securely also eliminates a major source of attraction. Pet food should never be left outdoors, and livestock like chickens should be protected with electric fencing.
Managing Bird Feeders and Sightings
Bird feeders must be strictly managed, as seeds are a significant, high-calorie draw. It is recommended to remove all bird feeders between late March and late November, covering the bears’ active season. If a bear is sighted, the DEEP encourages reporting the event online. If a bear is acting aggressively or attempting to enter a building, residents should immediately contact the agency’s 24-hour dispatch center.