Black Bears Spotted in Ridgefield

Earlier this week a Ridgefield resident spotted a large black bear in her yard and snapped the photo you see here. She posted it on the Ridgefield Facebook Page saying, "Just a heads up- we had a bear run through our yard. We live right by the rail trail on Ivy hill Road. We notified the authorities. Please be careful!" Someone chimed in, "I just saw one on Whipstick."

The presence of black bears in Ridgefield is growing with residents reporting sightings with increased frequency. 

According to Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), much of Connecticut’s landscape is now forested and is suitable for black bears. The rapid increase in the bear population between the 1980s and early 2000s is expected to continue. As the bear population expands, interactions between humans and bears will increase. 

The DEEP warns: if you see a bear:

• Observe it from a distance. 
• Advertise your presence by shouting and waving your arms or walk slowly away. 
• Never attempt to feed or attract bears. 
• Report bear sightings to the Wildlife Division, at 860-424-3011.

 Photo by Emma Gaeta.