Introduction

It is not uncommon to spot a black bear throughout the state and region; black bear sightings are becoming a recurring headline in many of the local news outlets.  

In 2024, bears were spotted in 159 out of the 169 cities and towns in Connecticut (The State of the Bears – 2025 Report). Livestock such as chickens and goats can be susceptible to black bear predation. Bears have also been found to damage beehives and crops. As a livestock producer, the best strategy is prevention.  

This factsheet offers livestock farmers and producers guidance and recommendations to safeguard their animals and prevent black bear incidents. 

Understanding bears and their behavior

Black bears are a native species that have become common throughout western Connecticut, and are expanding their range and population. The home range for one bear could be the size of a town in Connecticut.  

Omnivorous black bears have a well-rounded diet, eating both meat and vegetables. Occasionally, they will prey on small mammals, deer, and livestock, especially deer fawns during late spring and early summer. 

In Connecticut, black bears are most active from March to November. Black bears are not classified as true hibernators, and they will wake if disturbed, or may move among den locations during the winter. Black bears can remain active for periods throughout the winter, especially if food is available. 

Recommendations and husbandry practice considerations for livestock owners

Although agriculture and livestock conflicts make up a small percentage of the black bear conflicts reported to Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP), a farmer or producer could be greatly affected by one bear.  

According to the CT DEEP 2025 State of the Bears Report, more than 85% of livestock conflicts in recent years involve backyard chickens. Black bears have a great memory–if they are successful in an area with livestock or chickens, they’re likely to come back again.  

If you own livestock, here are some recommendations to help prevent bear conflicts from happening on your farm. 

• Don’t feed bears 

• • Lock your trash cans; 

• • Don’t feed the birds; 

• • Pick up debris. 

• Bears are attracted to livestock feed; therefore, you should store it inside and/or in airtight containers. Also pick up any spilled livestock feed; 

• The most effective way to protect livestock is through the use of electric fences– BearWise/CT DEEP has specific guidance on how to establish and maintain an effective barrier to keep bears out; 

• Consider keeping a trained Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) with your stock to protect against predatory wildlife. In a recent study, LGDs were found to reduce grizzly bear interactions for both people and livestock (Young & Sarmento, 2024).  

You may also consider using other deterrents such as noise-making devices to repel wildlife. For details on the legal process of obtaining a permit for a noise-making device in Connecticut, see Sec. 22-26g. 

Livestock Placement and Disposal

Large livestock (Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Swine, and Camelids) 

• Utilize secure shelters and pens - If possible, pen livestock in or near a barn at night; 

• Avoid field-birthing, and clean maternity areas by removing any afterbirth to avoid attracting bears; 

• Avoid pasturing in remote areas where it is difficult to monitor livestock.  

Small livestock (Poultry and Rabbits) 

• Avoid placing coops and hutches in remote or wooded areas; 

• Keep animals and pens in full view of the main residence. 

Dispose of carcasses

According to Connecticut Regulations, the carcass of any dead animal not killed for food shall be removed and disposed of within twenty-four hours after death by burial, incineration, or other method approved by the local director of health. 

Active bear sightings near livestock or black bear agricultural damage

If you observe a black bear on your farm or near your livestock, remember to always prioritize your personal safety.  

• Remain calm; 
• back away slowly; 
• do not run; 
• do not turn your back on the bear; 
• speak calmly in a low tone as you back away. If the bear approaches, stand your ground and wave your arms; 
• bear spray is useful if easily accessible, and the wind direction is towards the bear.  

Anyone who observes a black bear in Connecticut is encouraged to report the sighting on DEEP’s online reporting website.  

If you find damage from a black bear on your farm, there are appropriate steps to follow. The Connecticut General Assembly enacted Public Act 23-77 during the 2023 legislative session, creating an authorization for permits to be issued by DEEP to take wildlife that “threatens or causes damage to agricultural crops, livestock or apiaries."  

Conclusions

Prevention is the best strategy to ensure the safety of your herd or flock. Incorporating these considerations and recommendations explained above can help you improve your current management practices or establish new management practices for your farm and thus reduce the likelihood of a black bear interacting with your farm animals. 

If a bear is damaging your crops, apiaries, or livestock, you should proceed with the following steps, in order: 

• Attempt non-lethal methods to protect crops, apiaries, and livestock. (see recommendations in section above); 
• Consult with a CT DEEP Wildlife Division Biologist. deep.wildlife@ct.gov; 
• If still experiencing damage, evaluate the requirements of and consider applying for a Bear Agricultural Damage Permit (Steps 1 and 2 must occur before applying for a permit). 

For further information on black bear behavior and issues, become more “Bear Aware” by reviewing CT DEEP’s black bear information page.  

Resources

Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. (n.d.). All About Black Bears. Bearwise. https://bearwise.org/all-about-black-bears/ 

Bearwise. (n.d.). Electric Fences Keep Bears Out. Bearwise Bulletin #3. https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/deep/wildlife/pdf_files/outreach/ct-bearwise-bulletin-3-electric-fencing.pdf?rev=9897b8aef9594376af82d64718fe969a&hash=C0CA23840F6A6121622C2F7479E98156  

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (n.d.). Protect your chickens, bees, livestock, crops, and orchards from black bears. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/protect-your-chickens-bees-livestock-crops-and-orchards-from-black-bears 

Connecticut Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Fruit/Vegetable Crop Protection ("Noisemaker") Permit. Licenses and Permits, Agency Licenses and Permits.  https://portal.ct.gov/DOAG/Licensing/Licenses/FruitVegetable-Crop-Protection-Noisemaker-Permit# 

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. (n.d.). Black Bear. https://portal.ct.gov/deep/wildlife/fact-sheets/black-bear 

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. (August 22, 2024). Black Bear Agricultural Damage. https://portal.ct.gov/deep/wildlife/bears/black-bear-agricultural-damage   

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. (May 2022). Black Bear Wildlife Factsheet. Wildlife in Connecticut. https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/deep/wildlife/pdf_files/outreach/fact_sheets/bearpdf.pdf?rev=e0bab8b8739a4b3bb7799b09b573c1b7&hash=B1AF8CAE83E56DC32DE9A5EBDB517AEF#. 

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. (March 2025). The State of The Bears Report. https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/deep/wildlife/pdf_files/2025-the-state-of-the-bears.pdf?rev=118567f3f6b74bb99f7204d9d562eb0c&hash=2323D2D976C1FEBAA6618E64313B9A18  

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. (July 2025). The Basics of Living with Black Bears.  https://portal.ct.gov/deep/wildlife/bears/the-basics-of-living-with-black-bears  

Redden, R. Tomeček, J. & Walker, J. (September 2015). Livestock Guardian Dogs. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. https://sanangelo.tamu.edu/files/2013/08/Livestock-Guardian-Dogs1.pdf 

Rittenhouse, T. & Stearns, S. (May 2025). Protecting Beehives from Bears. UConn Extension. https://publications.extension.uconn.edu/publication/beehives-bears/  

Young, J. & Sarmento, W. (2024). Can an old dog learn a new trick? Efficacy of livestock guardian dogs at keeping an apex predator away from people. Biological Conservation, 292, 110554.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2024.110554   

The information in this document is for educational purposes only.  The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of publication.  Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended.  UConn Extension does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available.  The University of Connecticut, UConn Extension, College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources is an equal opportunity program provider and employer.