Connecticut is home to a thriving bear population, with encounters becoming increasingly common. Understanding the specific type of bear found here, its habits, and safe coexistence is important for residents and visitors. While bears signify a healthy ecosystem, their presence requires awareness and responsible practices for human and animal well-being.
The Black Bear: Connecticut’s Only Resident Species
The American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) is the sole bear species present in Connecticut. These bears are characterized by their stocky build, short, thick legs, and typically black fur, though colors can range from brown to cinnamon, and occasionally even lighter shades. They possess a straight facial profile from nose to forehead and rounded ears.
Adult male black bears, referred to as boars, typically weigh between 250 and 550 pounds in Connecticut, while females, known as sows, are smaller, usually weighing 110 to 250 pounds. Despite their size, black bears are agile climbers, strong swimmers, and can run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour. Black bears are omnivores, eating both plants and animals. Their varied diet consists of grasses, fruits, nuts, berries, insects, and small mammals. Black bears are generally shy and avoid human contact, but they can become accustomed to human presence if they regularly find food near residential areas.
Bear Habitats and Population Trends in Connecticut
Black bears find suitable habitat across Connecticut, particularly in forested areas with thick underbrush, streams, and swamps. They also inhabit early successional habitats like fields and young forests. While bears were extirpated from Connecticut by the mid-1800s due to habitat loss from farming, their population has made a significant comeback with the regrowth of forests.
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has been tracking a resident black bear population since the 1980s. The bear population in Connecticut is currently estimated between 1,000 and 1,200 and continues to grow. Most of these bears are concentrated west of the Connecticut River, but their range is expanding eastward. Bear sightings were reported in 159 of Connecticut’s 169 municipalities in 2024, indicating their widespread presence.
Living Safely with Bears in Connecticut
Coexisting with Connecticut’s growing black bear population requires proactive measures to prevent conflicts, as bears can become habituated to human food sources. Securing food sources is a primary method for reducing bear encounters. This involves storing garbage in bear-resistant containers or inside a garage or shed, and only placing bins outside on the morning of pickup. Bird feeders should be removed from late March through November, as they attract bears. Pet food should also be fed indoors, and any fallen fruit from trees should be picked up promptly.
If a bear is sighted, remain calm and avoid approaching it. Making yourself appear large by raising your arms and making noise can encourage the bear to leave. Slowly backing away while facing the bear is also advisable, giving it ample space to retreat. Never run from a bear.
For bear-related emergencies, like a bear approaching people or damaging property, the DEEP’s 24-hour Dispatch Center should be contacted. Reporting bear sightings to the DEEP Wildlife Division helps officials monitor activity and educate communities.