With the rescue of two orphaned bear cubs in Newtown, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says they saw some negative behaviors that encourage danger to bears.  Wildlife Division Director Jenny Dickson says they want to use this opportunity to remind people about living with bears. 

She notes that the bear that was killed was tagged as 217 so DEEP could identify it when there are sighting reported.  Even though it was nicknamed on social media as Bobbie, Dickson says DEEP doesn't name wild animals because that's when people start to think of them as pets and do things that are not in the animals best interest. 

Dickson says the primary contributing factor to bear nuisance problems is the presence of easily-accessible food sources near homes and businesses.  Deputy Commissioner Mason Trumble noted that there's a concerning trend on social media of people posting photos and videos of bears eating out of garbage cans or bird feeders, saying it's not cute but rather it's dangerous for the animal and for people. 

Black bears are becoming increasingly common in Connecticut as the population continues to grow and expand. Reports of bear sightings, even in heavily populated residential areas, have been on the rise.  

Fed bears can become habituated and lose their fear of humans. Bears should never be fed, either intentionally or accidentally. Bears are attracted to garbage, pet food, compost piles, fruit trees, and bird feeders. Bird Feeders and bird food should be removed from late March through November.  Residents should clean and store grills in a garage or shed after use.