Bear Jamboree: A Connecticut Family’s Backyard Transformed into a Bear Playground

A family in Wolcott, Connecticut received an unexpected and utterly charming surprise recently when a trio of black bears decided to turn their backyard play set into their own personal playground. The heartwarming encounter, captured on video by homeowner Tim Beloin, showcased the bears’ playful antics and provided a lighthearted moment amidst rising concerns about bear sightings and human-wildlife interactions in the state.

The video footage, obtained by Storyful, is nothing short of delightful. It shows the three bears exploring the play set with an almost childlike curiosity. They tentatively approach the swings, perhaps wondering about their function, and then cautiously clamber onto the slide, seemingly testing its sturdiness. At one point, the footage captures a classic sibling rivalry moment as two of the bears engage in a playful tussle, while the third bear acts as a bemused observer, watching the wrestling match unfold with apparent interest.

Tim Beloin, the resident of the Wolcott home where the bear extravaganza occurred, recounted the morning’s events to Storyful. "We were getting the kids ready for school and our dog was barking a lot," he explained. "We looked outside and saw the bears playing in the backyard." The sight of the furry intruders frolicking on the play set must have been a captivating, if slightly surreal, start to the day for the Beloin family.

Beyond the play set, the bears also displayed an interest in the family’s garbage can. Beloin noted that the animals even moved the can away from his home, perhaps seeking a secluded spot for a closer inspection of its contents. This highlights the ever-present challenge of coexisting with wildlife, as accessible food sources, such as unsecured garbage, can often attract bears to residential areas.

The Wolcott incident is not an isolated occurrence. According to CT Insider, bear sightings throughout Connecticut have been on the rise in 2024. The town of Simsbury has reported the highest number of sightings, with a staggering 967 incidents. This increase in bear activity raises concerns about potential conflicts between humans and bears and underscores the need for increased awareness and preventative measures.

Adding to the anecdotal evidence of increased bear activity, a family in West Simsbury recently witnessed a large black bear going down a slide face-first. This comical image further illustrates the adaptability and resourcefulness of these animals, as well as their capacity to find amusement in unexpected places.

The rise in bear sightings and reported conflicts has prompted the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to urge Connecticut residents to become more "BearWise" and to educate themselves on how to react in the event of a bear encounter. The DEEP emphasizes the importance of securing potential food sources, such as garbage and bird feeders, and taking precautions to avoid attracting bears to residential properties.

The DEEP’s "BearWise" campaign aims to promote responsible coexistence between humans and black bears. Key components of the campaign include:

• Securing food sources: Storing garbage in bear-resistant containers, removing bird feeders (especially during the spring and summer months), and cleaning grills after each use can significantly reduce the likelihood of attracting bears.
• Being aware of surroundings: When hiking or spending time in wooded areas, it’s important to make noise to alert bears to your presence. Carrying bear spray is also recommended as a deterrent in case of a close encounter.
• Knowing how to react to a bear encounter: If you encounter a bear, remain calm and avoid direct eye contact. Slowly back away while speaking in a calm voice. Never run from a bear, as this may trigger a chase response. If a bear approaches you, make yourself look as large as possible and make loud noises. If the bear attacks, fight back aggressively.

The increase in bear activity in Connecticut highlights the need for ongoing education and proactive measures to ensure the safety of both humans and bears. While the image of bears playing on a backyard play set is undeniably charming, it also serves as a reminder that we share our environment with wildlife and must take responsibility for minimizing potential conflicts.

The heartwarming incident in Wolcott serves as a reminder of the wild beauty that still exists within our communities. It underscores the importance of appreciating and respecting wildlife, while also recognizing the need for responsible practices to ensure the safety of both humans and animals. As Connecticut residents navigate the increasing presence of black bears, embracing the "BearWise" principles and fostering a culture of co-existence will be crucial in creating a sustainable future for both humans and the remarkable wildlife that call the state home. The delightful scene of the bear trio enjoying the play set offers a moment of levity, but it also calls for a thoughtful and proactive approach to managing human-wildlife interactions in a rapidly changing world. The residents of Connecticut, like the Beloin family, are finding they are increasingly coexisting with their wild neighbors, and that demands an informed and respectful approach.