WATCH: Black bear follows elderly woman through her neighborhood

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Spotting a bear in certain parts of Connecticut is nothing new, but the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) says black bears are becoming a lot more comfortable around humans these days.

A black bear was captured lumbering not far behind an elderly woman out for a stroll with her walker in West Hartford Wednesday morning.

The woman and her caretaker spotted the bear creeping up on them, and headed for home — fast. 

Nexstar’s WTNH caught up with the woman’s son-in-law. He said all the color had drained from her face when she arrived back home.

“[She’s] trying to get through the door and she goes, “There’s a bear!’” Bob Mitchell remembered.

DEEP said the black bear population in the state is growing, and residents should expect more sightings in neighborhoods during the day and at night.

“They are generally pretty docile and usually they will run the other way if they see people,” Jenny Dickson, director of wildlife at DEEP, said. “They’ll go about their own business and not interact with us.”

Experts say the one thing you should never do during a bear encounter is run. Believe it or not, a bear weighing 400 to 600 pounds can catch you.

Earlier in the week, the Town of West Hartford shared a few dos and don’ts regarding black bear safety.

Safety Dos

• Eliminate food attractants by placing garbage cans inside a garage or shed. To make trash unpalatable, add ammonia.
• Keep your garage and residence doors closed to keep bears from entering your home.
• Remove bird feeders and bird food from late March through December.
• Eliminate food attractants by placing garbage cans inside a garage or shed. To make trash unpalatable, add ammonia.
• Clean and store grills in a garage or shed after use. (Propane cylinders should be stored outside.)
• Keep dogs on a short leash and under control. A roaming dog might be perceived as a threat to a bear or its young.

Safety Don’ts

• Feed bears. Bears accustomed to finding food near your home may become “problem” bears.
• Approach or try to get closer to a bear to get a photo or video.
• Leave pet food outside overnight.
• Add meat or sweets to a compost pile.
• Store leftover birdseed or recyclables on a porch or screened sunroom, as bears can smell them and will rip screens to get at them.

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