A recent incident in Winsted, Connecticut, involving a black bear and two cubs trapped inside a car has highlighted the growing issue of bear encounters in the state. The bears were eventually safely released into the woods, but not before causing significant damage to the car’s interior.
This is just one of several recent incidents involving bears in Connecticut, including a woman who was bitten by a black bear in Cheshire and a 500-pound bear that was struck and killed on a highway in Torrington. State officials believe the increasing black bear population in Connecticut is leading to more frequent encounters with humans.
In response to these incidents, state officials are urging residents to keep their car doors locked and avoid leaving out food sources that may attract bears. Bears have been known to break into cars, trash bins, and homes in search of food, causing damage and posing a threat to human safety.
The return of bears to Connecticut in the 1980s has led to a steady increase in their population, with an estimated 1,000 to 1,200 bears now living in the state. While bear encounters were rare in the past, they have become more common in recent years, with sightings reported in all 169 towns in Connecticut.
To prevent future bear encounters, residents are advised to secure their property and avoid leaving out food that may attract bears. By taking these precautions, residents can help protect themselves and the local bear population from potentially dangerous interactions.
Source
Photo credit www.nbcconnecticut.com