October 12, 2024 8:17 pm
• Last Updated: October 12, 2024 8:17 pm

This Oct. 5, 2024 photo shows a black bear climbing the gate of the Governor’s Residence, in Hartford, Conn. (Courtesy of Joanna Kornafel via AP)

Hartford — Witnesses could bear-ly believe the surprise visitor that appeared at the Connecticut governor’s estate.

A black bear scaled the fence Saturday as human passers-by did a double-take.

“It was definitely like: ‘Is this real?’” Joanna M. Kornafel recalled Friday.

She and her family were traveling in their car near the governor’s residence in Hartford when traffic slowed, and the reason soon became clear: The bear was crossing the street.

Then, as Kornafel’s husband drove and she grabbed her phone to take photos, the animal strode up the driveway to the 19th-century estate and scrambled up the tall metal gate. She photographed the bear standing on its hind legs on the gate, with its front paws on an adjacent pillar and its snout nosing about a globe-shaped light.

The family was struck by how quickly and nimbly the bear climbed up.

“We were all in awe of the bear. And excited,” said Kornafel, explaining that her 4-year-old son had been talking about it all week.

Gov. Ned Lamont’s office said no one was home at the time, and the bear evidently just wandered off.

Bears have been spotted throughout Connecticut in recent years. Nearly all of the state’s 169 cities and towns reported sightings last year.

Forestry experts say Columbus Day weekend is one of the best times in the fall season that offers a variety of vibrant colors in foliage. News 12 Photojournalist Lori Golias explores the fall foliage in Connecticut. To track the fall foliage in Connecticut, follow this link.

Police are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash in Bristol.

It happened on Route 6 around 12 a.m.

Officers were on patrol in the area when two motorcycles went past a sergeant at a high rate of speed, according to police.

The sergeant turned around to attempt to stop them and noticed one of the motorcycles had crashed, police said.

The operator was rushed to the hospital where they were pronounced dead.

Police are not releasing the operator’s identity at this time.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call Bristol police at (860) 584-3038.