Black Bear Seen in Southington Wednesday

A black bear was spotted in Southington Wednesday by a family from Florida, according to the Hartford Courant.

The family was driving on Winding Ridge Road near the Wolcott border when the bear crossed in front of the car, according to the article.

The family, who reportedly was hoping to see some native wildlife, eagerly began taking pictures. The mother, Dawn Bezilla, 46, told the Courant she grew up on Jude Lane and brought her family for a visit.

Black bear sightings are becoming increasingly common in Connecticut, particularly in surrounding rural suburbs. There have been 2638 sightings in the state since last June, with 232 in Burlington, 267 in Farmington and 157 in Avon. Southington had just eight reported bear sightings in the past year, according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. 

Have you seen a bear in Southington?