Connecticut wildlife officials are warning residents about the increasing number of negative bear interactions across the state. The Environmental Conservation Police have responded to over 100 nuisance bear calls this year, including 20 home break-ins. This pace is similar to the record-setting year of 2024, when 76 home break-ins were reported.

Local Residents Affected

In Torrington, a community with a long history of bear activity, residents say encounters have become a regular part of life. George, a Torrington resident, said bears frequently target neighborhood trash. "A lot of times they come in and knock over the barrels and scatter everything," George said. Residents say the animals are showing little fear of people.

Eric Garay, of Torrington, said securing trash can help prevent problems. "When they walk by, they go for the trash. As long as you keep your trash indoors, you'll be fine," Garay said. Some residents use loud noises and other tactics to scare bears away. "Trash cans banging, slamming doors, air horns, a lot of noise, throwing things, anything just to scare them," George said.

Wildlife Officials Weigh In

Jenny Dickson, director of wildlife for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said an increasing number of bears are becoming accustomed to both people and human food sources. "We have an increasing number of bears that are very strongly food conditioned and very strongly habituated to people," Dickson said. Dickson said that the combination can create dangerous situations for both people and wildlife.

DEEP recommends residents actively deter bears by making noise, yelling, or using air horns. Officials also suggest using paintball guns to reinforce boundaries and discourage bears from lingering near homes. Securing trash and eliminating food attractants remain key prevention measures.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.