News

5/30/2018 - 5/30/18 Bear Sightings

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: May 30, 2018
Contact: Sergeant Anthony Diaz
Phone: (203) 230-4027
PIO# 18 - 88

On May 30, 2018, at approximately 8:15 a.m., a bear was spotted near the Harwood Gate at Quinnipiac University’s main campus. The bear was then seen returning to Sleeping Giant State Park. Within the last year, the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection reports that 14 bears were spotted in Hamden. Black bears are becoming increasingly common in Connecticut as the population continues to grow and expand and with the recent storm that heavily damaged it’s natural habitat, more sightings are likely to occur. The primary contributing factor to bear nuisance problems is the presence of easily-accessible food sources near homes and businesses. Bears should NEVER be fed, either intentionally or accidentally.

The Hamden Police Department would like to remind residents to report sightings of any bears by contacting DEEP Wildlife Division @ (860)424-3011, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.) or DEEP Dispatch (860-424-3333, 24 hours) or the Hamden Police Department @ (203) 230-4000.