CT HB05569

Require the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to publish estimated black bear habitat carrying capacity and population on or before June 30th each year

Prohibit deliberate feeding of black bears with civil fines for violations, and add black bears to the Crop Damage Permit Program by July 1, 2023

Establish legal authority to use lethal force against black bears posing immediate threats to livestock (cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, horses, donkeys, mules, buffalo, oxen, llamas, alpacas) or humans, including bears entering occupied dwellings

Allow handgun permit holders to carry handguns including centerfire calibers for self-defense on public state land where hunting is permitted (state forests and wildlife management areas) and private land, regardless of hunting activity

Authorize limited black bear hunting seasons when habitat carrying capacity is exceeded, with a target harvest number that closes the season when reached, a maximum permit fee of $28, and prohibitions on baiting and using dogs for hunting