Black Bear Sightings Rise in Connecticut, Ohio, Virginia Suburbs

Black bear sightings are increasing in the northeastern United States, with notable encounters in Connecticut, Ohio, Maryland, and Virginia. In West Hartford, Connecticut, black bears have been seen near residential areas, including one casually walking behind an elderly woman using a walker, prompting officials to advise residents on safety measures such as securing garbage and avoiding running from bears. Similarly, multiple sightings in Ohio’s Trumbull County have been reported, with local authorities urging calm and caution during encounters. A young black bear named Elden, known for wandering suburban neighborhoods, was relocated multiple times by wildlife officials in Maryland and Virginia but continued to appear in residential areas, leading to temporary road closures and coordinated efforts to safely capture and move him. Authorities across these regions emphasize maintaining distance from bears, removing food attractants, and contacting wildlife departments if conflicts arise. These incidents highlight the growing interaction between humans and black bears as the animals adapt to suburban environments.