In Winsted, Connecticut, on July 15, an adult black bear and its cub were found trapped inside a car outside a home, prompting a call to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Environmental conservation officers arrived at the scene and released the bears, who ran off with a third bear that had been running around in distress while the two were trapped. State officials believe the bears had opened the car door themselves to access the vehicle.
The incident highlights the growing bear population in the state, with an estimated 1,000 to 1,200 bears across Connecticut based on DEEP’s 2024 State of the Bears report. Last year, bears were spotted in all but three cities and towns in the state, indicating an increased presence in residential areas. This rise in bear encounters has led to concerns and conflicts with residents, resulting in the passing of a law allowing individuals to seek permits to kill bears if they pose a threat to livestock or agriculture.
DEEP has been proactive in addressing these concerns, launching the “Be Bear Aware” campaign to educate the public on coexisting with bears and reducing conflicts. Residents are encouraged to report bear sightings on DEEP’s website to track bear activity in the state. In light of the recent incident, DEEP Senior Advisor Ethan H. Van Ness reminds residents to remain vigilant and lock car doors, especially in areas with frequent bear activity.
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