It's that time of year when animals seek a warm and cozy spot to ride out the winter months.
As one Plainville family discovered that spot just happened to be a little too close for comfort when they found a burly, uninvited guest hibernating under their porch.
Local experts say the visitor is likely a male black bear and can actually be left alone in its cozy quarters, which is apparently just what this homeowner plans to do.
A jumpy dog tipped the homeowner's off to the bear.