Connecticut

Connecticut ticks back with a vengeance this year

Published

3 days ago

April 10, 2026

Connecticut ticks back with a vengeance this year

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — After a record year in 2025, the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station said that in under two weeks there have been more than 200 reported tick bites.

“I do not know whether this trend will continue or slow down,” Connecticut Tick Surveillance Program Director Dr. Goudarz Molaei said. “I suspect that it will continue and will get worse.”

In 2025, there were more than 6,000 reported bites, which is double the average.

It would be a mistake to think that this winter’s cold weather killed the ticks. In fact, many ticks were saved by this winter’s snow.

“It’s like a warm blanket for ticks,” Dr. Molaei said. “They hide underneath the snow and they are protected.”

These early ticks are almost exclusively blacklegged ticks. Research shows more than 50% are carrying Lyme Disease. Come this spring, four more tick species will arrive in Connecticut, with each breed carrying different diseases.

Ticks in Connecticut usually live in the woods. But not just in trees or in the grass, they could also be in leaves on the ground.

“Even though it looks goofy, I always make sure I have a thick sock and that it covers the lower half of your calf,” Ji Xue, who runs in East Rock Park, said.

Experts say you should spray on a pesticide before going outside. Upon returning, thoroughly check the body and put all clothes in the wash.

“I actually had Lyme Disease as a kid because I grew up in upstate New York,” Sean Cohen, a father of two young boys, said. “We are just extra aware of it, especially because the kids have very thick, dark hair. We just try to be on top of checking out for it.”

“I know some people who already refuse to take their dogs on hikes anymore because they are so scared,” Xue said.

Most importantly, if a tick bites you, either send it in for testing or keep the tick. If you get sick, the doctors need to know what kind of tick infected you.

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Connecticut

Person found dead in Hartford wooded area

Published

4 hours ago

April 13, 2026

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Person found dead in Hartford wooded area

A person was found dead on Westland Street in Hartford on Sunday, according to Hartford Police.

The person was found dead in a wooded area on Westland Street.

Police said there is no foul play suspected at this time.

The investigation is currently ongoing.

There is no other information at this time.

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Connecticut

New Haven boy, 16, accidentally shot himself in the arm near Brewery Square, city police say

Published

16 hours ago

April 12, 2026

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New Haven boy, 16, accidentally shot himself in the arm near Brewery Square, city police say

NEW HAVEN — A 16-year-old from the city accidentally shot himself in the arm while handling a gun on Friday, according to police.

Police said detectives determined some time after that the teen was the one the shoot himself.

The teen was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment and unlawful discharge of a firearm, police said.

Police said anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call NHPD detectives at 203-946-6304 or through the department’s anonymous tip line at 866-888-TIPS (8477).

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Connecticut

Hartford Women’s Track & Field Competes at Connecticut College Over the Weekend – University of Hartford Athletics

Published

1 day ago

April 12, 2026

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Hartford Women’s Track & Field Competes at Connecticut College Over the Weekend – University of Hartford Athletics

NEW LONDON, Conn. – On Friday and Saturday, the University of Hartford women’s indoor track & field team competed in the Silfen Invitational hosted by Connecticut College.

Rapid Recap:

Graduate student Kayla Pelletier (Southington, Conn.) continued to impress finishing in first in the javelin throw at a distance of 43.73 meters.

Senior Destinee Majett (Brick Township, N.J. ) won the hammer throw hitting 49.15 meters.

Senior Madison DiPasquale (Wallingford, Conn.) would pick up gold in both the shot put and the discus throw. In shot put she hit 11.86 meters. In discus DiPasquale threw 37.67 meters.

Sophomore Tamara Greene (Hartford, Conn.) added a silver medal in the 100 meter hurdles at a time of 14.80.

Junior Jordan Murphy (East Hampton, Conn.) would win the heptathlon event scoring 4593. Freshman Emily Breau (Meriden, Conn.) would come in second with a 3722 score.