Connecticut is currently at the center of a heated debate over bear hunting.
With the state’s bear population reportedly on the rise, lawmakers and residents are weighing a proposal aimed at introducing limited bear hunting to address the challenges posed by these large mammals.
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This potential legislation, titled “An Act Concerning Bear Hunting,” has already made its way through the Environmental Committee and is set to undergo further public scrutiny.
While supporters believe this measure is necessary for public safety and bear population management, opponents question whether hunting is the right solution, advocating instead for non-lethal methods.
The Proposal for Legalized Bear Hunting in Connecticut
The discussion surrounding bear hunting in Connecticut has intensified in 2025 as lawmakers explore ways to handle the state’s rising bear population.
Representative Pat Callahan, a Republican from New Fairfield, has been one of the prominent voices in support of the bill, emphasizing expert recommendations from bear biologists.
According to Callahan, these experts view a regulated bear hunt as a practical step to control the increasing number of “healthy bears” in the state.
At present, Connecticut and Rhode Island remain the only two states in the U.S. without some form of bear hunting.
If passed, the proposed legislation would authorize a limited bear hunt during specific times of the year. Advocates argue that this strategy could mitigate the growing frequency of bear encounters, particularly in residential areas.
Why the Bear Population is a Concern
The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has reported that bears have been spotted across nearly all Connecticut towns in recent years, including familiar places like Avon, New Hartford, and Farmington.
Conservative estimates put the state’s bear population between 1,000 and 1,200 in 2024, signaling significant growth over previous years.
DEEP also documented over 60 bear sightings in 2025, and 17 of those incidents escalated into conflicts.
Connecticut’s current laws only allow individuals to kill bears under specific circumstances, such as in self-defense or when bears threaten crops, livestock, or beehives.
However, these cases are subject to strict state review, leaving some residents feeling vulnerable as bear encounters become more frequent.
The Case for Bear Hunting
Proponents of legalized bear hunting believe that a controlled hunt could protect communities like Torrington, Simsbury, and Litchfield from dangerous wildlife interactions.
A limited hunting season, they argue, would allow the state to manage its bear population more effectively without jeopardizing its ecological balance.
By targeting areas with higher bear activity, supporters believe it’s possible to reduce incidents of property damage, personal injury, and general human-bear conflict.
- The proposal aligns with wildlife management models successfully implemented in other states.
- A regulated hunt could provide conservation funding through permits and fees.
- A smaller, more manageable bear population might deter bears from frequenting residential neighborhoods in Plainville, Granby, and Waterbury.
The Opposition’s Stance
Not everyone agrees that hunting is the answer to Connecticut’s bear troubles.
Laura Simon from the Connecticut Wildlife Rehabilitators Association has been vocal in her criticism of the proposal, suggesting that non-lethal measures could deter bear encounters just as effectively.
According to Simon, the core issue isn’t overpopulation but rather the accessibility of human food and garbage to bears.
Simon and other opponents advocate for better education on food management practices, such as securing trash bins, cleaning outdoor grills, and avoiding bird feeders in bear-prone areas. They argue that a focus on altering human behavior could significantly decrease conflicts without resorting to lethal means.
What’s Next for the Proposal?
While the Environmental Committee has approved sending the proposal to a public hearing, a date for this hearing has not yet been scheduled.
This next phase of the legislative process will allow residents from across the state, including West Hartford, Danbury, and Bloomfield, to voice their opinions and concerns.
Your Role in the Conversation
As Connecticut edges closer to a decision, public input will likely shape the outcome of this contentious proposal.
Whether you reside in Bridgeport, Bristol, or anywhere else across the state, your perspective matters.
Stay informed, engage in lawful public discussions, and consider attending the upcoming hearing to voice your thoughts on this critical issue.
Connecticut’s approach to bear management today could set the tone for its wildlife policies for years to come.
Will it be through hunting, or will non-lethal measures prevail? Only time – and public involvement – will answer that question.
Here is the source article for this story: Lawmakers aim to get bear hunting law on the books
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