Report a Wildlife Sighting

The DEEP Wildlife Division collects sighting reports of various wildlife species to help with ongoing research projects, as well as to track distribution and abundance of certain populations. You can help by reporting your observations for the wildlife species listed below.

Black Bear  |  Bobcat  |  Moose  |  Gray Fox  |  Fisher  |  Ruffed Grouse  |  Wild Turkey Broods  |  Mallard Nests  |  Bald Eagle Nests  |  Bats  | Dead Birds

View a map of current sightings for black bears, bobcats, and moose
If you wish to view sighting totals per town of bears and bobcats from the previous year, select the first i at the top right of the map viewer (see red circle in the image).

Report a Bear Sighting

Select the link above to report your sighting. The Wildlife Division has been conducting a long-term study of the state's growing black bear population. Some bears have been marked with ear tags and GPS collars as part of our research. Sighting reports provide important insight about the distribution and abundance of bears throughout the state, while also providing information about any conflicts or concerns. Visit our Living with Black Bears webpage to learn more about bears in Connecticut.

As part of this long-term study, the public is also asked to report vehicle-killed bears seen along Connecticut roadways by calling 860-424-3211. Examination of road-killed bears helps the Wildlife Division learn more about black bear population dynamics around the state.

For bear-related emergencies, please call DEEP's 24-hour Dispatch Center at 860-424-3333.

Report a Bobcat Sighting

Select the link above to report your sighting. The Wildlife Division initiated a study of Connecticut's bobcat population in 2017. Bobcats were live-trapped and marked with yellow ear tags and GPS collars. Sighting reports of bobcats will help biologists gain an understanding of the current state population.

The Division also collects carcasses of road-killed bobcats as part of the study. Roadkills can be reported to 860-424-3211.

Report a Moose Sighting

Select the link above to report your sighting. Moose sightings in Connecticut have been monitored since the early 1990s. Annual sightings of cows with calves since 2000 confirm the establishment and expansion of a resident population. Moose sighting reports help biologists monitor the presence of this large mammal in our state. The current population is estimated at just over 100 animals. Read our Moose Fact Sheet to learn more about moose in Connecticut.

Report a Gray Fox Sighting

Select the link above to report your sighting. The Wildlife Division is increasing its monitoring efforts of gray fox to better understand the species' distribution and relative abundance throughout Connecticut. Sightings of gray foxes can be submitted using the survey form. Photos are not required but are helpful for confirmation. You may submit links to cloud-based photos in the "Additional Comments" section. Report vehicle-killed or other deceased gray foxes to 860-424-3211 so they can be collected for research. Gray Fox Fact Sheet

Report a Fisher Sighting

The Wildlife Division is collecting sighting reports to help monitor Connecticut's fisher population. The fisher is a large member of the Mustelidae (weasel) family that prefers large tracts of coniferous or mixed hardwood-softwood forests. Report your observations to deep.FisherSightings@ct.gov. Be sure to include the date, time, location, and any photos or video of your sighting. Please note that many people claim to have heard fisher calls that sound similar to a person "crying". In reality, those calls are most likely coming from a red fox (fishers are not very vocal). Report vehicle-killed or other deceased fisher to 860-424-3211 so they can be collected for research.  Fisher Fact Sheet

If you observe a fisher with a radio collar in Connecticut (most likely in the eastern part of the state), please report your sighting at https://www.lakenganoe.com/fisher-report-line.html. The collared fisher are part of a research project through the University of Rhode Island. Each collar has a unique identifier written in two locations, so if you happen to get a good look at the collar (via trail camera or binoculars), please include any symbols or letters you may have seen. However, please do not approach the animals to get a "better view".

Report Ruffed Grouse

All members of the public are asked to report grouse sightings, which may consist of actual bird observations or drumming activity. To report grouse sightings, please contact Wildlife Division biologist Will Cassidy at william.cassidy@ct.gov or 860-418-5961.

To obtain grouse distribution and harvest information, the Wildlife Division is asking grouse hunters to  submit hunting reports through the Ruffed Grouse Hunter Log. 

Wild Turkey Brood Survey

Select the link above to learn more about the survey. The Wildlife Division encourages residents to participate in the annual Wild Turkey Brood Survey to help biologists estimate the average number of turkey poults (young-of-the-year) per hen statewide and to assess annual fluctuations in the turkey population. From June 1 to August 31, volunteers are asked to record all of the hens, poults, and toms or jakes (males) observed during normal travel (please only submit sighting reports during June 1 and August 31). To participate, use the new online form (form will be live on June 1) after each turkey brood sighting. As in previous years, paper copy submissions will still be accepted at the end of the season -- please submit paper copies starting September 1. Download a Wild Turkey Observation Form to record your observations (instructions are found on the data sheet).

Report Mallard Nests

Select the link above to learn more about the survey and how to identify nests. The Wildlife Division is in the midst of a large-scale project to assess nesting success, nest habitat selection, brood movement, and habitat use in mallard ducks. Biologists are looking for assistance in finding mallard nests, starting in mid-April. If you have mallards nesting on your property or find an active nest, please contact the Wildlife Division’s Migratory Bird Program at Min.huang@ct.gov.

Report Observations of Bats

Select the link above to report bat observations. Connecticut's bat species have suffered dramatically from the effects of white-nose syndrome to the point that several are now on Connecticut's List of Endangered, Threatened, and Special Concern Species. Whether you have seen a bat out during winter; one or more roosting in your bat house, barn, or eaves during summer; or even a dead bat, the Wildlife Division wants to hear about it. Submit a Public Bat Sightings Form to record your observations or email deep.batprogram@ct.gov.

Report Bald Eagle Nests

The DEEP Wildlife Division monitors nesting bald eagles in Connecticut. Almost all information about new nests and the status of existing nests comes from volunteers. This information is critical to allow the Wildlife Division to protect individual nests and Connecticut’s bald eagle population.

Report Dead Birds

If you see several dead birds (>5) in one location or notice that several birds die in the same area over the course of several days, this is a situation where testing of the dead birds may be warranted. If you observe this type of die-off, in addition to filling out this form, please call the DEEP Wildlife Division at 860-424-3011.

Content last updated in October 2023.