|
No images? Click here April 2026Wildlife Highlights is published by the Connecticut DEEP Wildlife Division. Please share the newsletter with others to help spread awareness about Connecticut's wildlife!
Black bears and bird feeders are a bad combination. Properly managing birdfeeders, garbage, and other attractants is essential to reducing human-bear conflicts. DEEP Releases Annual State of the Bears ReportConnecticut’s black bear population continues to increase, and the thousands of human-bear conflicts reported each year follow a long-term increasing trend. While a majority of the reported conflicts take place in the western half of Connecticut, residents are reporting issues with bears across the state. Roughly two thirds of the reported conflicts involve bird feeders and trash. From conflict reports to ongoing research efforts, the State of the Bears report provides the
most up-to-date information on Connecticut’s black bear population.
“Taking Off from Water” by Megan Song. Winner of the 2026 Connecticut Junior Conservation (Duck) Stamp Art ContestCongratulations to Mansfield resident, Megan Song (grade 8), whose remarkable acrylic painting of a common goldeneye, entitled “Taking Off from Water”, was selected as the “Best in Show” for the 2026 Connecticut Junior Conservation (Duck) Stamp Contest. Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamps can be purchased by hunters, collectors, conservationists, and others for $17 each wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold: participating town clerks and retail agents, DEEP Licensing and Revenue (79 Elm Street in Hartford), and through DEEP's Online Outdoor Licensing System or the online DEEP Store.
Black bear plastic mural in progress. Community Art Workshop at Sessions Woods this Saturday!Join the Wildlife Division's Outreach Program and Dr. Kat Owens on Saturday, April 18, for an educational, wildlife-themed community art workshop at Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area in Burlington. To see examples of artwork by Dr. Owens, visit KatOwens.com.
Properly installed electric fencing is remarkably effective at preventing conflicts with black bears and other wildlife. Live Wire Alert! Register for an Electric Fence WorkshopFor those interested in preventing conflicts with black bears and other wildlife, the Wildlife Division is offering free workshops that will primarily focus on protecting apiaries, livestock, crops, and more through electric fencing.
Wild turkeys courtesy of Matt Balnis. Spring Turkey Season Is Around the CornerThe 2026 Spring Turkey Hunting Season runs from Wednesday, April 29, to Saturday, May 30. Turkey hunting requires a great deal of skill and advance planning to be safe and successful.
Wild bergamot is an excellent native plant that attracts a variety of essential pollinators. If You Plant It, They Will Come! Native Plant Availability ListThe greatest threat to wildlife is loss of habitat, which is exacerbated by the prevalence of non-native and invasive plant species on our landscape. Most residents seeking to make a difference for Connecticut’s wildlife do not have to look far. Enhancing your backyard habitat by removing invasive species and adding native plants can make a significant difference for wildlife, including a wide variety of essential pollinators such as bees, butterflies,
moths, and even flies.
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station's recent fact sheets highlight five science-based actions the public can take to support wild bees and monarchs. New Resources Available to Support PollinatorsPollinators are essential to healthy ecosystems and food production, yet many species are facing serious declines. Connecticut is home to a remarkable diversity of wild bees, each with unique needs and conservation challenges. Effective bee conservation is not one-size-fits-all, and understanding their unique needs is the first step. Monarch butterflies have also declined across their range. To increase awareness about how to best support wild bees and monarchs, scientists at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station have released new fact sheets that
highlight five science-based actions the public can take to support wild bees and monarchs.
Piping plover courtesy of Darrell Bumbala. Shorebirds Return to Connecticut ShoresMany shorebirds, including the piping plover, least tern, and American oystercatcher, are making their annual return to Connecticut’s shoreline from their wintering grounds. It won’t be long before some pairs start taking care of eggs. Upcoming Events:
Who We Are Contact Us
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are seeking a communication aid or service, have limited proficiency in English, wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint, or require some other accommodation, including equipment to facilitate virtual participation, please contact the DEEP Office of Diversity and Equity at 860-418-5910 or by email at deep.accommodations@ct.gov. Any person needing an accommodation for hearing impairment may call the State of Connecticut relay number - 711. In order to facilitate efforts to provide an accommodation, please request all accommodations as soon as possible following notice of any agency hearing, meeting, program or event. |