Press Releases
04/17/2026
MEDIA ADVISORY: DEEP, Lt. Governor, Audubon CT Encourage People to be BearWise This Spring as Bears Become More Active
(HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and Audubon CTwill hold a press conference on Monday, April 20th to remind the importance of being “BearWise” and the important role residents play in keeping themselves, their communities, and bears safe now that the state’s black bear population is up and active in the warmer weather.
As documented in DEEP’s recent State of the Bears report, conflicts between humans and bears continue to increase year-over-year, with nearly 4,000 documented in 2025. It’s important for residents to be “BearWise” and understand how they can help to prevent bears from learning bad behaviors in order to protect bears, people, and property.
DEEP will have a sample bear-resistant garbage cart on site, BearWise hand-outs (including whistles), and information on electric fencing to protect crops and livestock.
Who: Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes, Audubon Connecticut Policy Director Robert LaFrance, DEEP Wildlife Division staff, invited guests and stakeholders
What: Spring “Be BearWise” press conference
When: Monday, April 20th, 11 a.m.Where: Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area, 341 Milford St, Burlington, CT 06013 (press conference will be held outside, behind the office building. If it rains, we will move inside the office building).
- Twitter: @CTDEEPNews
- Facebook: DEEP on Facebook
Contact
DEEP Communications
DEEP.Communications@ct.gov
860-424-3110