Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Press Releases

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09/30/2019

Encon Police Respond to Incident with Black Bear in Southbury

On Saturday, September 28, Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police responded to Southbury for a report of an incident with a black bear. Officers confirmed that a man encountered a black bear while hiking in the woods and was knocked to the ground by it. The man was able to safely get away from the black bear, which fled into the woods.
Environmental Conservation Police officers conducted a search and did not locate the black bear. Wildlife biologists have set a trap in the area and will monitor it. The incident occurred in the vicinity of Lake Zoar. The 38-year-old Newtown man was taken to Danbury Hospital, treated for non-life threatening injuries and released. No further information about this incident is available at this time.
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection reminds the public to observe black bears from a distance, advertise your presence with noise or movement and walk slowly away if you encounter one. Never attempt to feed or attract black bears. For more information on how to report black bear sightings, what do you if you encounter a black bear, and other information about the black bear population in Connecticut, visit the DEEP website.
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Contact

Kristina Rozek
Director of Communications
860-424-3110
Kristina.Rozek@ct.gov