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HB 5261

AN ACT AUTHORIZING A LIMITED BLACK BEAR HUNTING SEASON.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Arnie Jensen

Connecticut bill authorizes limited black bear hunting season with details delegated to environmental agency to manage growing bear population and human conflicts.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Environment
#bears #hunting
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Bill Summary · HB 5261

Legislative bill overview

HB 5261 would authorize Connecticut to open a limited hunting season for black bears, a species that has seen population growth in the state over recent decades. The bill delegates specific details of season length, bag limits, and licensing requirements to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) through regulatory authority.

Why is this important

Connecticut's black bear population has expanded significantly, leading to increased human-wildlife conflicts including property damage, garbage raids, and occasional dangerous encounters. This bill represents a potential shift in wildlife management policy by introducing hunting as a population management tool, which could affect both wildlife conservation strategy and recreational hunting opportunities in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Animal welfare and ethics: Opponents may argue hunting is inhumane when non-lethal deterrents and habitat management could reduce conflicts
  • Public safety concerns: Questions about whether hunting season adequately protects public safety during peak bear activity periods and in populated areas
  • Ecological balance: Disagreement over whether bear populations actually warrant culling or if growth is manageable through other means; concerns about unintended ecosystem effects
  • Regulatory clarity: The bill grants broad discretion to DEEP without specifying caps on bag limits or season parameters, raising accountability concerns
  • Urban-rural divide: Rural residents experiencing property damage may support it while suburban/urban residents prioritize coexistence approaches

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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