Ursus americanus. Black bears are not very common in most of Connecticut, but their population is rising rapidly. Most Connecticut bears at present live in the northwestern corner of the state.
Where are black bears in CT?
Black bears occur throughout much of the state. In 2019, approximately 7,300 bear sightings from 150 of Connecticut’s 169 towns were reported to the DEEP Wildlife Division. Connecticut has a healthy and increasing bear population with the highest concentration in the northwest region of the state.
Are black bears in Connecticut dangerous?
Black bears are generally shy and secretive and usually fearful of humans. However, if they regularly find food near houses and areas of human activity, they can lose their fear of humans. Unlike grizzly bears, black bears are seldom aggressive toward humans.
Does CT have grizzly bears?
In the wake of the brutal – and quite rare — grizzly bear attack at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming this week, it might be reassuring to readers that there are no grizzly bears in the woods of Connecticut or New York State.
Can you shoot a black bear in Connecticut?
It is currently illegal to hunt or trap bears in Connecticut (Conn. Agencies Regs. § 26-66- 3(f)). However, a person may kill a bear in self-defense if he or she reasonably believes it is going to kill or seriously injure anyone.
Are there wolves in CT?
“Connecticut has become home to the eastern coyote (Canis latrans var.) … Also, eastern coyotes prefer hunting in open spaces, while gray wolves favor hunting in forests. And for anyone worried about encountering a gray wolf in Connecticut, Vann said there are no wolves in our state.
Are there mountain lions in CT?
Although there are numerous reported sightings of mountain lions in Connecticut every year, the animals have actually been extinct in this state for more than a century. … Bobcats are found across Connecticut, but even fully grown they are much smaller than what she was describing, only weighing between 18 and 35 pounds.
What months do bears hibernate in CT?
Bears typically den (hibernate) in fall (late October-early December) and emerge in spring (March-April). Some bears may not den at all if they continue to find sufficient food. Around homes, bears may scavenge for food in garbage containers and bird feeders and for pet and livestock food left outside.
What type of bears live in CT?
Black bears are not very common in most of Connecticut, but their population is rising rapidly. Most Connecticut bears at present live in the northwestern corner of the state. Black bears have black to brown fur and may have tan muzzles or a white spot on their chests.
What time of day are black bears most active?
Bear Behavior
Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. Mating usually takes place in July.
Can a dog mate with a bear?
While they may look similar, there’s not a direct relationship between bears and dogs. The two can’t breed to create a new hybrid animal, which debunks a common myth about their relationship. In fact, the two animals don’t even share the same number of chromosomes.
Are moose in CT?
Although Connecticut’s moose population mainly resides in the northwestern part of the state, they can be seen in eastern Connecticut.
Where do I report bear sighting in CT?
Report a Bear Sighting
Visit our Living with Black Bears webpage to learn more about bears in Connecticut. As part of this long-term study, the public is also asked to report vehicle-killed bears seen along Connecticut roadways by calling 860-424-3011.
Why is it illegal to kill a bear?
The animal is considered threatened under the Endangered Species Act and federal law allows people to kill grizzlies only in certain situations. Those situations are when the bear is threatening you. … Grizzlies that threaten livestock are not fair game though.
How do you get rid of nuisance black bears?
Stand and face the bear directly. Never run away from or approach him. Make yourself look as big as possible by spreading your arms or, better yet, a coat. Make as much noise as possible by yelling, banging pots and pans or using other noisemaking devices.
Are bear traps legal in CT?
Steel-jawed and padded leghold traps are legal (Ct. Regs. § 22-66-5(a)). Steel-jawed traps may be set only in water bodies; while padded traps may be used in water or on land if set in the animal’s burrow (Ct.