Bear Killed After Entering Torrington Home

TORRINGTON, CT — State Environmental Conservation Police euthanized a bear on Winsted Road in Torrington after it entered a home through a screen window Tuesday, according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The bear was euthanized as it exited the house per DEEP protocol, said spokesman Chris Collibee.

The female bear was about 1-year-old and DEEP didn't have contact with the bear before the incident. Generally yearling bears weigh 45 to 100 pounds. A fully-grown female can reach 250 pounds.

Carlos Novicky said he encountered the bear inside the home, stared at it for about five seconds and then locked himself in his room before calling 911, according to WTNH. The bear took a loaf of bread from a shelf.

Novicky heard a lot of noise as the bear rummaged through the kitchen and figured it was a bigger bear.

The Friends of Animals Advocacy group criticized DEEP's decision to kill the bear.

"Bears aren’t supposed to be shot to death for getting into someone’s property," said FoA President Priscilla Feral in a statement. "I think DEEP’s reasoning behind shooting bears should be challenged.”

Connecticut's bear population is on the rise and sightings have become a common occurrence throughout the state in recent years. Generally DEEP doesn't respond to bear sightings as most will leave occupied areas for more natural environments. They are generally attracted to the smell of food.

DEEP typically only relocates bears if they make their way to an urban location. Bears that attack protected livestock or enter buildings are typically killed.

Image via Shutterstock not of Torrington bear