Advertisement
HomeWire ReportsConnecticut Student Encounters Bears After Getting Off School Bus

Connecticut Student Encounters Bears After Getting Off School Bus

A 13-year-old student encountered black bears after getting off her school bus in West Hartford, Connecticut, reported NBC News.

According to the news report, seconds after the teen got off her school bus, she was greeted by two black bears. The teen, who was not identified in this writing, immediately called her mom, Jeannette Dardenne, upon seeing the bears.

Dardenne told local news reporters that her daughter told her in a very calm voice, “Mom, there is a bear in front of me,” then she paused and said, “There are two bears in front of me.”

Dardenne reportedly stayed on the phone with her daughter until the bears moved away.

“I think she was more like, ‘It’s beautiful,’ and I think it was also a lesson for her to recognize that there are wild animals here and you do have to take note,” said Dardenne.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is tracking an increase in bear sightings. The bear population in the state is estimated to be between 1,000 and 1,200.

DEEP Wildlife Division Director Jenny Dickson said the uptick in activity is coming from bears trying to find food. Deep stated that in most cases, if a bear is left alone, it will make its way to a more natural habitat.


Related: Connecticut School Bus Catches on Fire
Related: Connecticut School Bus Driver Spreads Positivity By Wearing Various Hats
Related: Illinois School Bus Driver Finds Teen Wandering Alone
Related: Driver on Phone Almost Hits Mom, Student Getting Off School Bus

July 2025

Meet the 2025 Innovator of the Year, Gaurav Sharda! As the chief technology officer of Beacon Mobility, Sharda is...

Buyer’s Guide 2025

Find the latest vehicle production data and budget reports, industry trends, and contact information for state, national and federal...

Poll

Does your operation regularly refer to the National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures when questions arise?
11 votes
VoteResults