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HARTFORD – At Friday’s Environment Committee meeting, Connecticut’s wildlife management took a step forward with a bill allowing the lethal removal of bears and other wildlife under certain conditions. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will be able to issue permits for lethal action if bears cause damage to crops, livestock, or apiaries, and non-lethal measures have failed. The bill also gives individuals the right to use deadly force if a bear poses an immediate threat to people, pets, or property.
While I support this compromise to protect the community, it’s clear that more must be done for the long-term health of both bears and residents.
>>>Watch my comments here.
The bill addresses immediate concerns but lacks a true management plan. We need better strategies for preventing human-bear conflicts, like public education and improved bear-proofing measures, as well as a focus on conservation.
This bill is a step in the right direction, but it’s just the beginning. A more comprehensive approach is needed to ensure the safety and well-being of both people and wildlife.
