The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on Monday reminded residents to take steps to reduce encounters and potential conflicts with black bears.

The DEEP said the steps are increasingly important because Connecticut’s bear population continues to grow and expand and bear activity increases in early spring, DEEP said in a news release. In 2016, approximately 6,700 bear sightings from 134 of Connecticut’s 169 towns were reported to the DEEP Wildlife Division.

“If you genuinely care about bears, you should never feed them – either intentionally or unintentionally,” said Susan Whalen, DEEP deputy commissioner. “Bears become habituated, losing their fear of humans, when attracted to homes by easily-accessible food sources. Such bears spend more time in neighborhoods and near people, increasing public safety fears, and the likelihood that the bears may be hit and killed by cars or meet with some other misfortune.”

Connecticut residents should take these steps to avoid problems with black bears:

• Never feed bears.

• Take down, clean, and put away birdfeeders. Store the feeders until late fall. Clean up spilled seed from the ground.

• Store garbage in secure, airtight containers inside a garage or storage area. Double bagging and adding ammonia to cans and bags will reduce odors that attract bears. Periodically clean garbage cans with ammonia to reduce residual odor. Garbage for pickup should be put outside the morning of collection and not the night before.

• Protect beehives, livestock (including chickens), and berry bushes from bears with electric fencing.

• Supervise dogs at all times when outside. Keep dogs on a leash when walking and hiking. A roaming dog might be perceived as a threat to a bear or its cubs.

If you encounter a bear while hiking, make your presence known by yelling or making other loud noises. Never attempt to get closer to a bear to take a photo or video. If a bear does not retreat, slowly leave the area and find an alternate hiking route. If the bear persistently approaches, be offensive toward the bear – make loud noises, wave your arms, and throw sticks or rocks. Never run. While camping, keep a clean campsite, and make sure food and garbage are inaccessible.

In the rare instance when a bear appears to be aggressive toward people, residents should immediately contact the DEEP’s 24-hour dispatch line at (860) 424-3333.

Bear sightings reported by the public provide valuable information to assist the DEEP Wildlife Division in monitoring the black bear population. Anyone who observes a black bear in Connecticut is encouraged to report the sighting at: www.ct.gov/deep/wildlife or by calling (860) 424-3011. Information on the presence or absence of ear tags, including tag color and numbers, is particularly valuable. For information, visit: www.ct.gov/deep/blackbear or contact the Wildlife Division.