Bears in Connecticut Are Getting Bold—And Homeowners Are Not Thrilled

Before we get into this, I’ve got to introduce someone who actually knows what she’s talking about—because I definitely don’t when it comes to sharing a backyard with a 300-pound animal. Our resident wildlife expert, Jen the Zookeeper, is back, and this time she’s tackling one of the most Connecticut things happening right now: bears basically moving into our neighborhoods like they pay property taxes. If you’ve seen one knocking over a trash can, climbing a deck, or just casually strolling past your house like it owns the place, you’re not alone—and Jen breaks down exactly what’s going on (and how we’re all accidentally feeding these freeloaders).

Connecticut Bears: The State’s Fuzziest Freeloaders

Residents of Connecticut are used to a certain level of wildlife: deer politely ignoring traffic laws, squirrels committing petty theft, and turkeys that seem to have a personal vendetta against minivans. But in recent years, a new neighbor has been making itself at home. The black bear, also known as “that large thing currently sitting in your bird feeder.”

Connecticut bears have fully embraced suburban life. Why forage for berries in the woods when someone in West Hartford just put out a five-star buffet of sunflower seeds and suet cakes? These bears aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving, living like furry billionaires who refuse to cook.

Bears are highly intelligent, which explains why they’ve mastered complex tasks such as opening trash bins, climbing decks, and staring directly into your soul while you slowly back into your house. Some have even been spotted casually strolling through neighborhoods as if they’re late for a PTA meeting.

Officials recommend “making loud noises” if you encounter a bear, which is great advice in theory. In practice, most people settle for a high-pitched “NOPE” while retreating indoors and locking every door they’ve ever owned.

Despite their growing confidence, Connecticut bears generally just want snacks, not trouble. Still, it’s a little unsettling when a 300-pound animal treats your backyard like a drive-thru.

So if you see one, remember: secure your trash, take down your feeders, and maybe stop seasoning your grill like you’re hosting a barbecue for the entire forest. Because in Connecticut, you kind of are.

More on Jen the Zookeeper 

Jen has spent more than 30 years immersed in the fields of animal care, conservation, and science education. As the former Director of Animal Care for the New Canaan Nature Center in Connecticut, she oversaw the care of native mammals, reptiles, and birds of prey while educating the public about the important roles these wild neighbors play in our ecosystem. Her experience also includes time with both the Bronx Zoo and the Los Angeles Zoo, where she focused on the care of African and Asian wildlife and helped teach visitors about the delicate balance between humans and natural habitats.

Later, while working at a wildlife sanctuary in Half Moon Bay, California, Jen played a key role in training and handling nearly 50 exotic species. She also developed educational programs for at-risk and foster youth, helping historically underserved kids build trust, confidence, and healing connections with the non-releasable animals at the sanctuary.

In addition to her extensive wildlife work, Jen has experience in horse and dog training, animal control, veterinary care, and all things conservation education. Today, she owns and operates Jen Kotkin Pet Care, where she provides personalized care, exercise, and enrichment for dogs, cats, horses, birds, and more.