“Indeed, the DEEP supported this legislation when it was first introduced and would have welcomed hunting as a tool to manage the increasing bear population. But state legislators acquiesced to pressure from ill-informed animal rights groups and prioritized emotional appeals over conservation and public safety. SB 1148 now fails to fully address this public safety risk for the Constitution State’s 3.6 million residents—a risk made clear last year when a 10-year-old boy was mauled by a bear in his grandparents’ backyard.” — Hartford Courier
In Episode 379 of District of Conservation, Gabriella discusses Connecticut passing a bear self-defense law that allows residents to shoot bears in self-defense cases and discourages feeding the burgeoning black bear population. The Connecticut legislature was short of passing a bill allowing a highly-regulated hunt, arguably a more preferable and humane option. Tune in to learn more!
Listen on Apple Podcasts
SHOW NOTES
Photo Credit: Gabriella Hoffman / August 2022 – Black Bear in Whitefish, Montana