There is no question that there are more black bears in Connecticut's suburban town, based on just the anecdotal evidence we have of Patch users posting photos. But state environmental officials say the increase in population is getting expensive and problematic.
Connecticut Mirror reports Wednesday the state is now spending a quarter-million-dollars a year responding to concerns about the exploding black bear population.
According to the DEEP:
- There were 352 reports of damage by bears in Connecticut last year, and at least 16 incidents in the year before where bears entered homes.
- Road accidents involving bears have also been on the rise, with 24 killed last year compared with fewer than 10 in 2000.
Last week, after the department decided it had become too aggressive toward humans.
So again, officials are pondering launching a yearly bear hunt in the state to help control the population. What do you think? Take our poll and add your thoughts in the comments.
Bears will not bother anyone if guidelines to keep them away from homes are followed! Unfortuntely, some people want to take videos and pictures, luring bears with food - they are responsible for their eventual deaths. The DEEP is too lazy to relocate them, so they just kill them.