Suffield Students Present the Facts on CT's Bear Population

Students from the AG Issues Team from the Suffield Regional Agriscience Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter came to the Legislative Office Building to put on a lighthearted, but incredibly informative, presentation on bear population management in Connecticut.

Tackling a very complicated issue with a short skit based around a courtroom trial, prosecuting students accused "Mr. Bearington" of breaking into, ransacking a home, and eating the food inside. They appealed to the judge to implement restrictions on bears, possibly including relocation, a limited bear hunt season, or even sterilization.

In defense, Mr. Bearington and his lawyers claimed he was only doing what was natural and that humans to have needed more restrictions to reduce or eliminate potential conflicts. They suggested locking garbage cans, removal of bird feeders, and noise harassment measures, among other ideas.

According to the students, Connecticut’s bear population is expanding at a rate that outpaces current management tools, leading to increased property damage and safety concerns in residential areas. Their presentation highlighted the conflict between regulated management (such as a hunting season or aggressive state intervention) and coexistence strategies (such as bear-resistant infrastructure and habitat protection).

About three dozen people attended the presentation, and the students did a masterful job answering questions from the audience when they wrapped up.

I want to thank the members of the AG Issues team: Coach/Teacher Dr. Laura LaFlamme, and students Jacob Chaws, Windsor Locks (10th grade), Sarah Daigel, East Windsor (10th grade), Claire Kleinman, West Hartford (10th grade), Quinn Libby, Suffield (10th grade), Alice McCoy, Suffield (12th grade), Sasha Nelson, Suffield (12th grade), Nate Russell, East Granby (11th grade), for bringing a measured discussion and incredible enthusiasm to a very complicated issue.