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Bear sightings in Connecticut are on the rise this year, and their numbers are growing. Appearing to talk about black bears and what you should do if you come across a bear is Paul Rego, a wildlife biologist with the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
The core of the black bear population in the state is in the northwestern area, Rego says, in Litchfield County and western Hartford County. They're heading south in dramatic fashion, and somewhat to the east. Rego estimates their numbers at around 500.
"That takes them into some of our towns that have a higher human population," he adds. "Avon, Farmington, Torrington, Bristol, Plymouth--fairly developed towns with a lot of residential development."
Young males are roaming, searching for territory and spreading out across the area at this time of year. Many black bears are foraging for readily-available food, or looking for a mate during the breeding season.
What can Connecticut residents do to discourage bears from visiting? "Remove the easy handouts," Rego says, like birdseed in bird feeders, which should be removed from yards altogether for a time. Also, poorly-stored garbage attracts bears and should be placed in appropriate containers instead.