3 days ago
Bear conflicts with humans are rising in CT. One product is a popular choice for keeping them away.
As bear conflicts with humans are on the rise across Connecticut, bear self-defense products are popular items in outdoor recreation stores, as many residents plan to hike, camp, hunt and fish in the state this summer.
The number of bear sightings reached 159 out of the state's 169 towns and cities last year, according to the 2025 'The State of the Bears,' an annual Department of Energy and Environmental Protection publication that tracks their growth.
The yearly report, which was released in March, comes amid renewed interest in a black bear hunting season. DEEP officials said the black bear population remains stable, with between 1,000 and 1,200 bears, and has a high potential for growth due to 'an abundance of suitable habitat and excessive human-related food across their range.'
'Reports of entries to garages, screen porches and similar locations are often incorrectly reported as home entries, and totals change as staff investigate incidents,' DEEP said in the report. 'Dozens of attempted entries also took place. Many of these incidents occurred when bears pushed through screen doors and windows.'
The number of serious conflicts involving bears is also on the rise, according to officials. Reports of home entries, livestock attacks, apiary and other agricultural damage, damage to vehicles and structures, as well as physical altercations with pets and people, are following a long-term upward trend. In 2024, Connecticut experienced two bear attacks on humans.
Officials said bears are becoming less afraid of humans as they enter more urban areas due to habituation, a process through which a bear loses its fear of humans. Bird feeders, trash and food left around a yard can lead a bear to becoming less afraid of humans and more aggressive, according to DEEP
Officials said they first recommend scaring away bears with loud noises through yelling or using whistles or air horns. Scaring a black bear can reinforce its natural fear of people and help keep it from lingering in neighborhoods and other areas where conflicts often arise. Effectively scaring a bear also reinforces the person as dominant in an encounter, so the bear learns to avoid people.
In some cases, DEEP said loud noises are not effective at scaring away bears, especially ones that have already been habituated. Bears that are in urban areas and less afraid of humans, may not perceive loud noises as a threat.
In these situations, DEEP officials say it can be more effective to use an object to make physical contact with the bear to drive it away. Throwing objects such as tennis balls, water balloons and small rocks at the bear can work, but using a paintball marker or slingshot can be more accurate and deliver more contact warnings in a short period of time, according to DEEP.
Bear spray continues to be one of the more popular choices for those looking to defend themselves against bears without having to throw a physical object, according to DEEP. In Connecticut, it is illegal to shoot a bear using a firearm.
Under Connecticut law, you can kill a bear in self-defense if you reasonably believe it's about to cause serious harm to you or someone else or if it's entering a building with people inside, according to DEEP officials. In addition, a bear may be killed if it is injuring or killing one's pet. But if a bear was shot and killed, it must be reported to DEEP, and law enforcement would investigate each case.
If a bear is sprayed with bear spray it does not need to be reported, according to DEEP. Bear spray, while creating a temporary burning experience for the bear, is non-lethal and does not cause any permanent damage to the animal. DEEP said it recommends bear spray as a self-defense tool and does not recommend firearms.
'Using bear spray is an effective way to stop an attack by a black bear,' DEEP said. 'CT DEEP advises that if you decide to carry and use bear spray to defend yourself from a bear that you use it responsibly and according to the directions.'
Bear spray contains a potent concentration of oleoresin capsicum, which is a highly concentrated oil extracted from hot peppers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Bear spray also includes a propellant, typically a compressed gas, to push the mixture out of the canister.
Standard pepper sprays have around one million SHUs, while bear sprays pack three million SHUs, so it's about three times as potent as human self-defense sprays. Bear spray typically has a range of 30-40 feet, while pepper spray's range is shorter, around 10-12 feet, according to the EPA.
'It's pretty popular, people are buying bear spray all year long,' said an unnamed employee at a popular outdoor recreation store in Connecticut. 'We definitely encourage folks who are going to be in the woods or on a trail to carry it with them. I can't say we're seeing an increase in sales, but it is frequently bought.'
Bear spray is legal in all 50 U.S. states for self-defense against wildlife, including bears. However, misuse against humans can lead to legal consequences.
The EPA said that bear spray should only be used in self-defense and as a last resort measure. Bear spray should never be used as a deterrent and sprayed on tents, objects or humans, as it can be dangerous and potentially lethal if inhaled. No one has died from using bear spray, according to the EPA.
Several bear spray brands exist including Academy Sports, SABRE, and Counter Assault. Prices range from $30 to over $50 depending on size of the canister. Outdoor recreation stores including Cabela's, REI, and Bass Pro Shops sell bear spray at their Connecticut locations.
More information on staying safe around black bears can be found at
Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@
