Regional Forum On Bear Safety Slated In West Hartford This Week

WEST HARTFORD, CT — If you're curious about why bears are being spotted in backyards, swimming pools, and even kitchens, the state is hosting a regional forum in West Hartford for you.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has organized four regional Bear Management Listening Sessions across Connecticut.

Three have already taken place in Burlington, Sharon, and Derby, with the last set to take place in West Hartford on Tuesday, Dec. 16, at the Elmwood Community Center, 1106 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, CT 06110

While taking place in West Hartford, folks from all towns are invited to attend.

"These facilitated discussions will be focused on bear activity, public safety concerns, and strategies for living safely with bears," wrote DEEP in an announcement.

The sessions are designed to hear directly from residents and local leaders about the issues they are experiencing, according to DEEP.

Feedback from these sessions will inform the next phase of DEEP’s bear management planning.

According to DEEP, that includes filing a report describing the current state of the bear population in Connecticut, public perceptions toward bears, implications of the state’s growing bear population, and various strategies for mitigating bear-related impacts.

These events are free, and seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The listening sessions are open to anyone who wants to participate. No town residency is required.

To help DEEP plan, folks are asked to submit a response to an RSVP form at this link.

For more information on the forum, click on this link.