Connecticut officials estimate the state’s black bear population at between 1,000 and 1,200. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has received reports of more than 7,300 bear sightings so far in 2026, comparable to the over 12,000 reports received in 2025.

Bear Population and Habitat

Bears were native to Connecticut, but habitat loss from colonization drove them to densely forested parts of western Massachusetts. By the mid-1800s, Connecticut’s bear population had almost dwindled entirely. Then, about 100 years later, bears and habitats around the Connecticut River Valley were given protected status, which allowed them to expand their wandering range in the state once again.

Jason Hawley, wildlife biologist with the DEEP, said bears were historically hunted for food and fur. They were also commonly killed out of fear, Hawley said. "They were intentionally extricated just because they were viewed as competitors for whatever animals the Europeans were raising," Hawley said.

Preventing Bear Encounters

Most bear sightings and human interactions happen in the summer months as bears come out of hibernation and move around more. During this time of year, females who are nursing cubs travel in search of extra calories and males travel in search of mates for breeding season. Residents can prevent bear encounters by cleaning and storing outside grills, keeping pet food and compost inside, securing trashcans, and removing birdfeeders entirely.

Hawley recommends making noise by yelling or blowing an air horn if you encounter a bear outside, to create a negative experience for the bear. "Make yourself look big. It’s about letting them know that you’re there," he said. "We don’t want the bear to be comfortable in your yard."

Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.