By Sal GeraciJune 26, 2026

Discussing the controversy on whether to have an open season on hunting bears in Connecticut is a waste of time. It is going to happen, just like when the overpopulation of deer became a problem for farmers and motorists. On a personal level, I kind of like seeing the bears that cross our property; just like deer, bobcats and other wildlife. We took down our bird feeders. Basically, “They don’t bother me, if they don’t bother me.”

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But I do understand those who have issues with aggressive bears that pose a danger to people. It makes no sense to oppose killing bears because they are cute makes. Bessie the cow; Lily the lamb and Porky the pig are cute too, but who cares when ordering a steak, leg of lamb or pork chop? And the argument that they were here first and humans are the problem only sounds good until you realize that Native Americans were here first and it seems to me that we had no problem killing them and taking their land. That’s what humans do. It is happening right now in Ukraine.

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Of course there isn’t a solution that will please everyone, but waiting until a hungry bear kills a human, or waiting until “car vs. bear” accidents pile up makes even less sense. Why not come up with a plan that works without starting a bear-killing frenzy? Maybe a lottery system where only so many bear-hunting licenses are issued. Also, maybe 50% of the meat must be donated to homeless food shelters. In this manner, maybe the “save the bear” crowd will see that some good will come out of it. Sitting around or writing editorials as the bear population increases while their urban food sources deplete is like watching a train wreck in slow motion. Doing nothing is long past being an option. 

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To digress for a moment on bears, on a global level it has been reported that the Trump administration plans to give Iran funds to buy food from American farmers. If it is true (and I am not sure it is), why not give the money to the American farmers and ship Iran the food? Sending money to a corrupt government to purchase food makes no sense. They can stuff the money into their pockets, but they won’t do it with a loaf of bread or broccoli. Just wondering.

Sal Geraci

Woodbury