Black Bear Sightings Reported In Bethel — Here’s How Many

BETHEL, CT — Thousands of bear sightings are reported across Connecticut each year, including several in Bethel.

In 2025, there were 15 reported bear sightings in Bethel, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Across Connecticut, bear sightings are used to track where bears are most active, though they do not reflect the total population. Reports can vary depending on how many people live in an area and how often sightings are reported.

Black bears have become increasingly common across Connecticut in recent years, with thousands of sightings reported annually as the population expands into more communities. State officials estimate there are between about 1,000 and 1,200 bears in Connecticut.

Officials say Connecticut’s bear population has been expanding, particularly in western parts of the state, where sightings are more common.

Reports of conflicts between bears and people have also been rising, including incidents involving property damage and bears entering homes in some cases.

Residents are encouraged to take steps to avoid attracting bears, including securing trash and removing bird feeders.