Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

DEEP headquarters at 79 Elm Street in Hartford is currently closed due to recent water damage impacting multiple areas of the building. We are working to remediate the situation and get the building back open to staff and the public as soon as possible. While the building is closed, Staff continue to work either remotely or in alternate locations. We continue to be able to receive documents via U.S. Mail or courier service, and our electronic file submittal protocols remain unchanged. For updates, please click here

Reports, Videos, StoryMaps, and Webinars About Black Bears

Reports

The State of the Bears - A Briefing on Bears in Connecticut 

State of the Bears report call out

Get all the information on bears in Connecticut including bear population, conflicts, feeding ordinances, comparisons with other states, and the best ways to coexist with black bears. 

Download the 2025 Report Here

Download the 2024 Report Here

Download the 2023 Report Here

Video Series: Tips for Living with Black Bears

There's No Free Lunch - Managing Food, Garbage, and Other Attractants

Share the Woods - How to React if You Encounter a Black Bear Outdoors

Preventing Wildlife Conflicts with Electric Fencing

Electric fencing is the most effective way to protect crops and livestock from wildlife, including black bears

Bear in Mind

StoryMaps

Population Monitoring Is More than Just a Number -- How bear biologists use several research techniques to see the whole picture.

Webinars

Black Bear Webinar: Learn about black bears and black bear management with (now-retired) DEEP Wildlife Division Biologist Paul Rego.

Back to Living with Black Bears

Content last updated in March 2025.