Connecticut Lawmakers Vote to Permit Deadly Force Against Bears as Population Increases
Connecticut lawmakers have voted in favor of allowing people to use deadly force against bears as the state’s bear population continues to grow. However, the legislation falls short of implementing a bear hunt or imposing restrictions on unintentional feeding of the animals.
The bill, which passed the House of Representatives with a 115-32 vote after revisions by the Senate, explicitly permits individuals to use lethal force against bears in Connecticut if they reasonably believe the bear poses a threat of great bodily harm to a person, pet, or if it enters an occupied building.
Republican Representative Patrick Callahan, whose district has experienced significant bear activity, stated, “This is just taking away second-guessing to defend what we love.”
The bill, now awaiting approval from Democratic Governor Ned Lamont, has been a highly emotional issue during this year’s legislative session. It has pitted legislators who advocate for protecting the animals against those whose constituents fear allowing their children to play in their own yards.
Incidents of bears interacting with humans have become increasingly common in Connecticut. Last month, a hungry black bear entered a bakery’s garage in the suburban community of Avon, causing alarm among employees and helping itself to 60 cupcakes before departing. The incident was captured on surveillance footage.
In April, a 74-year-old woman was attacked by a bear while walking her dog in a Hartford suburb, sustaining bites to her arms and legs. This was the first reported bear attack of the year, following two attacks in the previous year, including one in which a 10-year-old boy was mauled in a backyard.
Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), which estimates the bear population to be between 1,000 and 1,200, has suggested implementing a limited bear hunt. However, this proposal has sparked controversy and was ultimately excluded from the bill in March.
According to DEEP, bears entered residential homes 67 times in 2022, surpassing the previous record of 45 home invasions. The agency reported that just seven years ago, bears entered homes in Connecticut fewer than 10 times per year.
Under the bill awaiting the governor’s approval, the state agency can issue nuisance wildlife permits to kill “certain wildlife,” including bears, that pose a threat or cause damage to agricultural crops, livestock, and apiaries. This provision has garnered support from many farmers in the state. To obtain a permit, landowners must demonstrate that they have taken non-lethal measures, such as electric fencing, to deter bears.
Critics of the bill have expressed concerns that people may misuse these permits, arguing that the legislation could be abused.
Additionally, the bill prohibits intentional feeding of potentially dangerous animals, including bears, on private land, with violations constituting an infraction. Originally, the bill also included restrictions on unintentional feeding, such as leaving accessible trash and hanging bird feeders. However, these provisions were removed in the Senate, disappointing some House members.
Democratic Representative Mary Mushinsky emphasized the need for a Bear Smart program in Connecticut, similar to programs implemented in other states, to educate residents on safely coexisting with bears. She stated that the issue would likely be revisited in the following year, suggesting that there is unfinished business in making the state “Bear Smart.”
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