Hartford, Conn./WTIC Radio - Now that fall is upon us, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is reminding residents that bears are fattening up for the long winter ahead.
The department is urging homeowners to take steps to prevent bears from entering homes in a search for food.
DEEP says there've been 40 bear entries into residences in 16 munincipalities so far this year.
The animals root through trash, pull down bird feeders and try to get their paws on whatever they can, especially this time of year when they can consume up to 20,000 calories per day.
As always, the department says securing trash cans, avoid putting away birdfeeders, and not intentionally feeding bears are some ways to mitigate interactions.