Connecticut Legislators Approve Expanded Use of Force in Response to Increasing Bear Population

46

Connecticut Lawmakers Pass Measures to Address Growing Bear Population

Connecticut legislators recently voted in favor of implementing measures aimed at protecting residents from the increasing bear population in the state. However, instead of endorsing a bear hunt or imposing restrictions on unintentional bear feeding, the approved legislation focuses on allowing the use of deadly force in specific circumstances. Under the revised bill, individuals in Connecticut are explicitly permitted to employ deadly force if they reasonably believe a bear poses a significant risk of causing severe bodily harm to a person, pet, or if it enters an occupied building.

Republican Representative Patrick Callahan, whose district in northwestern Connecticut has witnessed heightened bear activity in recent years, emphasized that the legislation aims to remove hesitations when defending what people hold dear. The bill has undergone significant emotional debate during the current legislative session, pitting those seeking to protect the animals against constituents who fear for the safety of their children playing in their own yards.

Incidents of bear-human interactions have become increasingly common in Connecticut. In a notable case last month, a hungry black bear intruded into a bakery’s garage in the suburban community of Avon, startling several employees and helping itself to 60 cupcakes before departing, as captured on surveillance footage. In April, a 74-year-old woman suffered bites to her arms and legs during a bear attack while walking her dog in a Hartford suburb, marking the first such incident this year. Last year, there were two attacks, including one in October where a 10-year-old boy was mauled in a backyard.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), estimating the bear population to be between 1,000 and 1,200, has advocated for a limited bear hunt. However, due to the contentious nature of the proposal, the idea was removed from the bill in March. According to DEEP, bears invaded residential homes 67 times in 2022, surpassing the previous record of 45 incidents, whereas just seven years ago, home invasions were fewer than 10 annually.

As per the bill awaiting Governor Ned Lamont’s approval, the state agency will have the authority to issue nuisance wildlife permits for the extermination of “certain wildlife,” including bears, that pose threats or cause damage to agricultural crops, livestock, and apiaries. This provision finds support among many farmers in the state. Landowners must demonstrate non-lethal attempts, such as installing electric fencing, to deter bears in order to obtain such permits. Critics of the bill expressed concerns about potential abuse of these permits.

Additionally, the bill prohibits intentional feeding of potentially dangerous animals, including bears, on private property, classifying violations as infractions. Initially, the legislation also included restrictions on unintentional bear feeding, such as leaving accessible trash and hanging birdfeeders. However, these provisions were removed during the Senate’s revision, disappointing some House members. Democratic Representative Mary Mushinsky called for a Bear Smart program in Connecticut, similar to those implemented in other states, aimed at teaching residents how to coexist safely with bears. Mushinsky and other lawmakers anticipate that this issue will resurface for further discussion next year.

FAQ about bear population Connecticut