Connecticut
Coyote mating season begins, prompts safety warnings from Connecticut environmental officials
A warning from environmental officials to pet owners: It’s coyote mating season, which means coyote-human interactions are likely to increase.
Over the weekend in Ridgefield, a coyote had to be euthanized after biting a local resident. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) believed, based on initial reports, that the animal was ill.
Attacks on humans by coyotes are extremely rare, but coyotes are common in Connecticut. Officials said it’s important to understand the steps to keep yourself and your pets safe.
At the turn of the new year, you might see or hear the eastern coyote more.
“We heard about the incident in West Hartford about a year and a half ago,” said Bob Goodman, a resident of West Hartford himself.
Goodman is referring to a December 2024 coyote attack on a dog, which left the dog fighting for its life.
Goodman said protecting his dog is always a top priority.
The eastern coyote is common in Connecticut and has been reported in every town and city in the state. January marks the start of mating season for the species, so they naturally become more territorial.
“We will see a kind of behavior that people interpret to be more aggressive because coyotes are acting more boldly,” said Geoff Krukar, a wildlife biologist with DEEP.
Krukar said this aggression is often seen toward other dogs, so keeping your dog on a leash and under control when out is key.
Kurkar also recommends keeping an eye on pets outside, even in your own backyard, and even if they are only out for a moment.
“If your dog or cat is not being watched, there is an opportunity for a negative interaction with a coyote,” he said.
Small dogs are particularly vulnerable because they are seen as prey. There is coyote-preventive gear that owners can purchase for extra protection against predators.
“We bring a flashlight with us, and we scan the backyard to make sure there is no coyote lurking,” said Goodman.
For Goodman, it’s personal; he has known friends and family who have had their pets killed by coyotes. He said he would rather take an extra second to stay with his dog or check his own backyard to prevent anything tragic.
If you are alone and encounter a coyote, DEEP explains it’s best to make your presence known by making noise and then leaving the area.
It’s also around this time of year that coyotes might consider finding a den close to a home, such as under a porch or near a foundation. Krukar said you can take steps to prevent them from choosing a spot near a home, like running a radio near a den to scare them off.
Keeping coyotes away from a home can also mean securing trash and removing any food sources, as with strategies to prevent bears.
Marked by a ceremonial ribbon cutting and attended by Governor Ned Lamont, state legislators, Waterbury officials, and community leaders, UConn Health celebrated the acquisition of Waterbury Hospital which as of today is now the UConn Health Waterbury Hospital.
“This is a defining moment for healthcare in Connecticut,” said Dr. Andrew Agwunobi, CEO of UConn Health Community Network. “We now have the opportunity to take the award -winning academic quality and service of UConn Health and share it with the wonderful employees, doctors and community of Waterbury.”
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont described the initiative as a forward-looking investment in the future of healthcare access across Connecticut.
“Connecticut is leading with innovation,” said Connecticut Governor Lamont. “The UConn Health Community Network reflects a proactive approach to strengthening community-based care by connecting it directly to the capabilities of our state’s public academic medical center. What begins in Waterbury today, represents a new model designed to expand opportunity, access, and excellence for communities statewide.”
In addition to UConn Health Waterbury Hospital, the Network includes UConn Health Community Network Medical Group and UConn Health Waterbury Health at Home. The model preserves each member’s local identity and will grow thoughtfully over time to improve quality, expand access, and reduce the total cost of care.
“This reflects a bold step forward in how we think about healthcare in Connecticut,” said John Driscoll, Chair of the UConn Health Board of Directors. “Today we celebrate the beginning of a new approach to community-based care. We move forward with clarity of purpose and shared commitment to serve our communities better together.”
Comptroller Sean Scanlon highlighted the significance of the model for the long-term evolution of healthcare delivery in Connecticut.
“This partnership represents thoughtful leadership at a pivotal time for healthcare,” said Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon. “By aligning community hospitals with academic medicine, Connecticut is building a modern framework that positions our healthcare system to meet the needs of patients today and into the future.”
“Hosting this celebration on our campus is deeply meaningful for our staff, physicians and the families we serve,” said Deborah Weymouth, President of UConn Health Waterbury Hospital. “Waterbury’s legacy of care continues, and we are tremendously proud to have a strong partner who is deeply committed to our community and help lead this next chapter for healthcare.”
Welcome UConn Health Waterbury Hospital!
A multi-vehicle crash temporarily close Interstate 84 on Tuesday night.
The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. and involved four cars, according to the Hartford Fire Department.
Fire crews arrived at the scene and helped one of the drivers who was trapped. The driver was then taken to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.
Four other people reported minor injuries but declined ambulance treatment at the scene, officials said.
I-84 East was temporarily shut down as crews responded but has since reopened.
The Connecticut State Police is investigating the crash.
As the snow turns to sleet and freezing rain in parts of the state this afternoon, it is causing some treacherous travel on Connecticut roads.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation is reporting several crashes.
There are crashes on both sides of Interstate 691 in Meriden.
A tractor-trailer jackknifed on the eastbound side of I-691 between Exit 5 and 3, closing the left lane. On the westbound side, a single-vehicle crash closed the left lane.
There is a two-vehicle crash on I-91 North in Middletown between Exits 20 and 21. The left and center lanes are closed.
A multi-vehicle crash has closed lanes of I-84 East in Waterbury between Exits 25 and 25A. There is a second crash on I-84 East in Southington near Exit 30.
In Cromwell, a two-vehicle crash closed the right lane of Route 9 North in Cromwell.
On Route 9 South, a crash closed a lane on the southbound side.
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