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Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Natural Areas Remain Open for Solitary Recreation
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As the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact our lives, more people than ever are finding outdoor recreation to be an essential escape from home isolation and telecommuting. Connecticut's state parks, forests, and other natural areas remain open for solitary recreation. During this time of essential social distancing, some of the most popular spots, like Talcott Mountain and Sleeping Giant State Park, have continued to overflow with visitors. As a result, the DEEP is limiting available parking and restricting walk-in visitors to manage safe visitor levels. Instead of joining the masses, why not explore some of the lesser known, but equally beautiful state parks and forests. You can practice responsible recreation by recreating locally, practicing proper social distancing, being prepared to choose a different location to visit, and being respectful of others and the environment. You can find more information about Connecticut's 110 state parks and 32 state forests on the DEEP's website. Keep in mind that state facilities are closed to reduce the spread of COVID-19, which includes restrooms and campgrounds. Before setting out for a fun day of solitary recreation, check online for updates by visiting Twitter
@CTDEEPNEWS and
@CTStateParks, or at
Facebook.com/CTStateParks.
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| New 2020 Hunting, Trapping, Fishing, and Wildlife Regulations |
Several new regulations related to hunting, trapping, wildlife, and marine fisheries became effective in early 2020. Any new regulations related to hunting and trapping are NOT reflected in the printed version of the 2020 Connecticut Hunting and Trapping Guide. However, they are reflected in the hunting guide information on the DEEP website. Some of the new regulations include changes to the wild turkey bag limit, deer A and B seasons, and the prohibition of releasing butterflies.
Please note:
Even though our offices are currently closed due to COVID-19, you can still purchase your hunting and fishing licenses from our
Online Sportsmen Licensing System
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| If You Care, Leave it There |
Every year, the lives of many wild animals are disturbed by people who take young animals from the wild in a well-intentioned attempt to "save" them. These well-meant acts of kindness have the opposite effect. Young animals may appear to be "abandoned" but an adult is likely close by, waiting for you to leave. The best thing you can do for young wildlife is to leave them alone. If you are certain that a wild animal has been injured or orphaned, before touching it or moving it, please consult our website for a list of wildlife rehabilitators. If you have any questions, please contact us at [email protected].
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In addition to our Facebook page (CT Fish and Wildlife) and Twitter @CTFishWildlife, you can now find the Wildlife Division on Instagram (ctfishandwildlife)! In addition to providing information on Connecticut's fish, forests, and wildlife, we hope to highlight our local photographers, hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts! You can also follow us on Twitter @CTFishWildlife.
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2020 Spring Turkey Hunting Season
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The regular
Spring Turkey Hunting Season is from April 29 to May 30
. Turkey hunting requires a great deal of skill and advance planning to be safe and successful. To guarantee a memorable spring turkey hunting experience, hunters must follow all safety recommendations and hunting regulations.
New regulations have been adopted for the 2020 spring wild turkey hunting season. Hunters may harvest a total of 5 bearded birds, regardless of property type. Specific state and private land bag limits no longer apply. In addition, spring turkey hunting hours have changed from a noon closure to a sunset closure.
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Increasing bear activity means bird feeders should be put away, garbage secured, and electric fencing maintained.
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Photo courtesy of Kyle Testerman |
Now that spring is here, bear activity is increasing throughout the state. While bears await the growth of fresh spring vegetation, they continue to rely on acorns and the remaining hard mast leftover from fall. In addition to these natural foods, bird seed, human food waste, pet food, unprotected livestock, and beehives are also consumed by bears, especially near where food rewards have been found in the past. The Wildlife Division advises residents to look around their homes for potential attractants and properly secure or remove them. Bird feeders should not be out this time of year, and even empty feeders still attract bear visitors. Secure garbage containers in a locked area and add ammonia to trash bags. Lastly, livestock and beehives should be protected with appropriate electric fencing that is properly maintained year-round.
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Bringing the Outdoors In: Online Wildlife Resources
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Did you know Connecticut is home to 84 species of mammals, 335 species of birds, 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, and an estimated 20,000 species of invertebrates?! Take advantage of our Wildlife Fact Sheets to learn more about some of the fascinating wildlife that call our state home.
PDF versions of our fact sheets are also available to download and print for a variety of educational purposes. In addition to our fact sheets, parents can download our Explore Connecticut's Wildlife workbook that features kids activities and coloring pages. Lastly, you can learn about natural resource-related issues in Connecticut by viewing our archive list of past issues of Connecticut Wildlife Magazine.
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| Practice Social Distancing at the Beach...from People and Birds |
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Photo courtesy of Don Freiday/USFWS |
Connecticut residents have been urged to "Stay Safe, Stay Home" to help minimize community spread of COVID-19. However, some State Park beaches are open for solitary outdoor enjoyment by practicing "social distancing," maintaining a distance of at least six feet from others. Maintaining a safe distance is also important for beach nesting birds like the state and federally threatened piping plover. Piping plovers are returning to our beaches to nest in the very areas where people are flocking to right now in record numbers. Piping plovers have always practiced social distancing - from people and pets, that is. Disturbance from people and dogs at beach nesting areas may prevent plovers from finding mates and nesting and cause nest abandonment, loss of eggs, and death of chicks. By maintaining a safe distance, we can enjoy the beach, share it with beach-nesting birds, and help ensure both visitors and birds are safe.
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| Message from the Connecticut Bird Atlas Team |
The CT Bird Atlas Team has an important message about data collection during the 2020 breeding season and COVID-19. To keep all the dedicated volunteers, their families, and others safe, volunteers are being asked to "Stay Home, Stay Safe." Rather than end the data collection period this year, the Bird Atlas Team has decided to extend the survey period into 2021. This will enable us to collect important breeding season data needed for the Atlas while keeping Connecticut's birding community safe.
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| Earth Day Celebrates 50 Years |
In 1970, the first Earth Day saw 20 million Americans gather together in protest to the environmental crises of the day. Air and water pollution were at the forefront, as smog choked the cities and oil spills leaked into oceans and rivers across the country. This event is often cited as the birth of the modern environmental movement, and it has blossomed into a global celebration of environmental accomplishments, as well as a reminder to maintain the fight for environmental health. As Kathleen Rogers, President of the Earth Day Network, stated, "The urgency has never been greater, and the stakes have never been higher." Earth Day celebrates 50 years on April 22, 2020 and the celebration is going digital this year.
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Species of the Month: Red Fox
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Red foxes tend to be solitary, usually hunting alone. They can be active at any time of day but appear to hunt most often during dawn and dusk. It is not unusual to observe foxes during the daytime. They remain active all year and do not hibernate. The normal home range for a fox is about 2 to 4 square miles in Connecticut, but it may vary depending on the abundance of food. Foxes commonly live in close association with human residences and communities where they can find plenty of food, water, and cover. They frequently inhabit yards, parks, and golf courses, especially areas that adjoin suitable, undeveloped habitat. Foxes can become accustomed to human activity but are seldom aggressive toward people.
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You'll find each issue packed with information about wildlife, hunting, fishing, and natural resource-related issues in Connecticut.
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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at 860-418-5910 or [email protected] if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint.
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