Black Bear Sightings Rise in Farmington

State data show 74 black bear sightings in Farmington so far in 2026, part of a broader rise in statewide reports this spring. (nationaltoday.com) Connecticut has received more than 1,250 bear sighting reports statewide in 2026, according to Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) figures reported April 20, 2026. (ctpublic.org) Mid-April DEEP tallies listed Farmington with 64 reported sightings; the town’s count rose to 74 by April 20 in updated state data. (yahoo.com) Wildlife officials say the surge comes as black bears emerge from winter and search for food, increasing encounters in residential neighborhoods. (ctpublic.org) DEEP is urging practical steps — secure trash, take down bird feeders, and remove pet food — to avoid attracting bears to yards and curb human-bear conflicts. (ctpublic.org) The agency’s Wildlife Sighting Public Viewer logs reports for the current year and is used to track town-by-town activity; residents can report sightings through DEEP and call 860-424-3333 for immediate assistance. (ctdeep.maps.arcgis.com) Last year’s reporting was far higher: DEEP received more than 12,000 sighting reports in 2025, a reminder that multiple reports can involve the same animals moving through towns. (yahoo.com) Local incidents illustrate the risk — shoppers watched a bear climb a tree near Macy’s at Westfarms Mall in Farmington during an April 2025 response by police and wildlife officials. (ctnewsbuzz.com) DEEP officials say sightings will likely continue through spring and asked residents to “be bear wise” at an April 20 press event, urging vigilance and prompt reporting. (ctpublic.org)