While it will take an extra minute over simply calling 911, CT DEEP asks Connecticut residents to contact them — not local emergency dispatchers — to report bear sightings.

Anyone who observes a black bear in Connecticut is encouraged to report the sighting on DEEP’s online reporting website (portal.ct.gov/deep/wildlife/living-with-black-bears, scroll to Connect with Us, Report a Bear Sighting) or send an e-mail to deep.wildlife@ct.gov. Information on the presence or absence of ear tags, including tag color and numbers, is particularly valuable.

If a bear has damaged property or you have specific questions about bears, contact the DEEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011.

If a bear is in a densely populated area, contact DEEP Dispatch (860-424-3333, 24 hours).

The number above should also be used in the rare instance a bear appears to be aggressive toward people or there are other immediate public safety concerns involving a bear.