Rocky Hill Bear Encounter Leaves Person With Minor Injury

On Friday afternoon, a quiet Rocky Hill neighborhood got an unexpected visit from a bear. A resident suffered a minor injury during the encounter.

This happened on New Britain Avenue. Now, folks are talking about bears showing up more often in Connecticut and how important it is to stay cautious.

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Authorities and environmental officials arrived quickly. They checked out the scene and reminded everyone about safety during bear sightings.

Rocky Hill Bear Incident Draws Attention to Wildlife Safety

Rocky Hill police said the incident happened just before 4 p.m. A local resident was relaxing on their front porch at the time.

Out of nowhere, a bear came up and touched the person’s left knee, leaving a small abrasion. The injury wasn’t serious, but it’s still unclear if it was a bite or a scratch.

Details of the Encounter

The resident told police they never saw the bear coming. It’s a bit unsettling how quietly these animals can move through neighborhoods.

After the brief contact, the bear ran off into the woods. No one in Rocky Hill has reported seeing the bear again since then.

Police worked with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to examine the area. DEEP responds to bear incidents all over Connecticut, from places like Wethersfield to more rural towns like Barkhamsted.

Bear Sightings on the Rise Across Connecticut

Bears have started showing up more in cities and towns across the state—West Hartford, Bristol, Newington, Glastonbury, Torrington, you name it. Most bear sightings don’t end in injuries, but this one’s a wake-up call.

Why Encounters Are Becoming More Common

Experts think Connecticut’s growing bear population is pushing them into new areas. Suburban and urban neighborhoods are seeing more bears as they look for food.

People in towns like Simsbury and Avon say bears have been dropping by more often these past few years.

Development and easy food sources—like unsecured trash or bird feeders—draw bears in. If a bear finds a meal, chances are it’ll be back.

Safety Tips for Living Near Bear Populations

DEEP and local officials want everyone to stick to some basic safety steps. These tips matter whether you live in Rocky Hill or anywhere else in Connecticut where bears are popping up.

Steps to Reduce the Risk of Bear Encounters

Here’s what folks can do to avoid situations like the porch incident:

Secure garbage bins in bear-proof containers or keep them inside until pickup day.
Take down bird feeders during bear season—usually spring through late fall.
Scrub grills well after every use to get rid of scents that might attract bears.
Keep pets indoors or watch them closely outside, especially early or late in the day.
Stay alert near woods or trails in places like Canton, Avon, and Glastonbury.

Community Vigilance and Reporting

If you spot a bear, authorities want to hear about it. Call your local police or DEEP’s wildlife division.

Quick reports help officials keep track of bear movements and respond faster if there’s a problem.

Working Together to Protect Residents

People in towns from Rocky Hill to West Hartford can stay safer around wildlife by staying alert and locking up anything that might attract animals. It also helps a lot when folks report sightings right away.

Friday’s event led to just a minor injury, but honestly, it’s a wake-up call. Bear encounters aren’t something to take lightly.

Connecticut’s landscape is always going to include wildlife. With a bit of preparation and some common sense, residents can lower risks and still enjoy the outdoors around their homes.

Here is the source article for this story: Person sustains minor injury after encounter with bear in Rocky Hill

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