Why are bears entering Connecticut neighborhoods?

Bears are entering Connecticut neighborhoods in search of high-calorie human foods to prepare for the upcoming winter. As bears lose their natural fear of people when they eat these foods, they spend more time near people, creating public safety risks.

What is the Connecticut DEEP doing to address the bear-human conflicts?

The Connecticut DEEP is urging residents to take proactive measures, such as securing their trash, keeping barbecue grills clean, and avoiding the use of birdfeeders, all of which can attract bears. The department also suggests planting native plants as an alternative to support local wildlife without endangering them.

How does the rise in bear-human interactions in Connecticut compare to other states?

The number of bear-human interactions in Connecticut in 2025 is higher than the amount seen in neighboring Massachusetts, though officials don't yet know the exact reason for this disparity. This trend reflects a broader global issue of increased competition for resources between humans and animals as their habitats are impacted by climate change and land development.

Home / Environment / Hungry Bears Invade Connecticut Towns, Raising Public Safety Concerns

Hungry Bears Invade Connecticut Towns, Raising Public Safety Concerns

17 Nov

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Summary

Bears spotted in every Connecticut city and town in 2025
Almost 40 home entries by bears reported
Officials urge residents to avoid feeding bears and secure food sources

Hungry Bears Invade Connecticut Towns, Raising Public Safety Concerns

As of November 17, 2025, Connecticut is grappling with a significant rise in bear-human interactions across the state. According to officials from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), bears were spotted in every city and town in the state last year, with almost 40 home entries reported.

This trend is particularly concerning, as it exceeds the number of bear-human interactions seen in neighboring Massachusetts, though the exact reasons for this disparity are still unclear. However, the DEEP has determined that these encounters are almost always food-related, as bears seek out high-calorie human foods to prepare for the upcoming winter.

"Bears lose their natural fear of people when they eat food from ... human sources, causing them to spend more time in neighborhoods and near people, creating public safety risks and increasing the possibility that the bears may be hit and killed by vehicles," warned Jenny Dickson, the DEEP's wildlife division director.