Mama Bear Spotted in Connecticut With 'Record-Setting' Number of Cubs
There's nothing cuter than seeing a mama bear with her cubs (from a distance, of course)!!!
But a mama bear with five cubs? Well, that is just beyond adorable!
In a sweet TikTok clip, we see a record-setting five cubs trailing their mom in Granby, Connecticut.
@nbcconnecticut A mama bear and record-setting FIVE cubs were spotted in Granby. DEEP confirmed with us that it's the first sighting of a litter with more than 4 bears to be seen in Connecticut. #bears#ct#DEEP
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Authorities actually confirmed that it was the first sighting of a litter with more than four bears to be seen in the state.
These cubs are just the sweetest! Look at how close they stay to their mama! Well, until a large rock attracts their attention. Good for them for getting a closer look at their world.
Now, for all that cuteness, there's still a bit of anxiety that accompanies it because, let's face it, those are bears!
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In fact, mother bears can be highly aggressive. Their level of aggression, however, varies significantly between species. Mother Grizzly Bears, for example, are known for extreme, often "suicidal," protectiveness to defend their cubs. Mother Black Bears, on the other hand, rarely attack people and often rely on sending cubs up trees for safety.
After doing a bit of online research, I learned that the only bear species in Connecticut is the American Black Bear, with a population of roughly 1,000. They are generally shy and active from March through November. So, even though they're usually timid and avoid human contact, we should all stay away from them! There's a big difference between a real live bear and the stuffed teddy bears we all enjoyed as kids!
Where Are All the Bears?
To no one's surprise, Alaska is the state with the most bears, with an estimated 100,000 Black Bears and 30,000 to 35,000 Grizzly/Brown Bears. It is the only state with all three North American species (Black, Brown/Grizzly, and Polar Bears) and contains over 98% of the U.S. Grizzly Bear population.
It's fascinating to see wild animals pop up outside your window, even if they might weigh upwards of 300 pounds! In my neighborhood, we might see a deer or a fox every now and again, but a family of bears? That's too much!
We wish this growing family all the best. Stay safe out there!
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This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 10:55 AM.