If a Connecticut Bear Mauls You, it Will be Because of Your Bird feeder

Recently a friend reminded me about bear safety and it sprung a memory.

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I was on the air doing the I-95 Morning Show when an app chat message appeared from our wildlife correspondent Jen "The Zookeeper" Kotkin. In anticipation of the warmer weather she wrote:

"Good morning! Your public service announcement for the day: spring is here! And bears are looking for a quick and easy meal, so put away those birdfeeders! Birds have plenty to eat now with all the seeds and buds that are blooming! Miss seeing birds up close? Put a hummingbird feeder up instead, they just returned from South America and are looking for something sweet to eat."

After I read this valuable tip on the air, it had me scrambling for my notes. This reminded me of the report put out by CT DEEP (Department of Energy & Environmental Protection) in March. I remembered that their 2023 The State of the Bears Report said essentially the same thing via graphic.

Let's zoom in a bit. You see that big chunk of orange, that is to represent the bear conflicts caused by bird feeders.

You've been warned, if a bear should maul you viciously it's probably because you didn't listen to me about the bird feeders.

If a Connecticut Bear Mauls You, it Will PROBABLY be Because of Your Bird Feeder

BONUS BEAR FACT: In 2022, there were 67 Incidences of bears entering people's homes in CT.

More on Jen "The Zookeeper":

Jen has been immersed in the conservation & science education field for over 30 years. While working as Director of Animal Care for The New Canaan Nature Center in Connecticut, she was responsible for the care of native wildlife and birds of prey, while teaching the public about the roles of these wild neighbors. While with the Bronx Zoo and Los Angeles Zoo, Jen’s main priority was the care of exotic hoofstock, again while teaching the public about the delicate balance of humans & habitats. While working with a wildlife sanctuary in Half Moon Bay, CA, Jen played a major role in the wildlife training and handling of some 50 exotic species. Her major focus was creating curriculum for a variety of programs including at-risk and foster youth programming. These programs encompassed helping fragile children gain a sense of trust and worth while developing a healing relationship with the non releasable wildlife at the sanctuary. Currently, Jen is the owner and sole proprietor of Jen Kotkin Pet Care, providing pet care as well as mental and physical exercise & stimulation for dogs, cats, horses,

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