Bear sightings surge in Connecticut, renewing debate over legalized hunting

As bear sightings continue to rise across Connecticut, the debate over legalizing bear hunting is once again taking center stage — especially in West Hartford, which leads the state with over 400 reported sightings so far in 2025.

Residents told FOX61 the growing bear population is putting their safety at risk, and many believe the state needs to take stronger action.

“I feel concerned about the children, and they come up on a bear and no parent is around to protect them,” said Mercedes Cooper, a West Hartford resident.

Bear encounters have become increasingly common in residential neighborhoods. Larry Levine, another local resident, said the issue is no surprise to him.

“I know they've lost a lot of habitat, so I’m not surprised they're showing up in residential areas,” Levine said. “I’ve seen a few right here in our yards, walking up that driveway, down the street. That was a big one. We see the little cubs playing around in some garbage.”

Currently, Connecticut law only permits killing a bear in self-defense or to protect a pet. Farmers can also apply for a special permit from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) if a bear damages their crops or livestock. However, efforts to establish a regulated bear hunting season have failed to gain legislative approval.

A recent bill aimed at giving DEEP authority to create a hunting season failed to clear the State Senate during the last session.

Meanwhile, most neighboring Northeastern states — including Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New Jersey — allow regulated bear hunting as a population management tool.

Cooper believes it’s time for Connecticut to follow suit. “I feel, in a way, they should [legalize bear hunting], because it's dangerous for the kids to be walking around and not having anything to protect yourself in case a bear does come by,” she said.

Still, not everyone is convinced that hunting is the right answer.

“We were out in the woods, hiking a lot,” said Levine. “We have to be careful about where people are shooting.”

Both residents agree that alternative solutions should also be explored. Cooper suggests creating designated habitats away from human populations, while Levine points to the need for better public education on bear-proofing homes.

“Advising the population how to properly store their trash,” he said. “We have these plastic bins, but they're not exactly bear-proof.”

With public concern rising and legislative discussions expected to resume, the future of bear management in Connecticut remains uncertain.

For now, West Hartford — and much of the state — continues to navigate the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and community safety.

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