Connecticut

Coyote mating season begins, prompts safety warnings from Connecticut environmental officials

Published

2 months ago

January 16, 2026

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.

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Connecticut

Multiple cars involved in crash on I-84 in Hartford

Published

8 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Multiple cars involved in crash on I-84 in Hartford

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.

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Connecticut

Sleet, freezing rain leading to treacherous travel in parts of Connecticut

Published

20 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Sleet, freezing rain leading to treacherous travel in parts of Connecticut

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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Connecticut

The Great Westport Sandwich Contest kicks off with event at Old Mill Grocery

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

The Great Westport Sandwich Contest kicks off with event at Old Mill Grocery

People in Westport have the chance to pick the best thing between sliced bread.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce held a kick-off event at Old Mill Grocery on Monday for The Great Westport Sandwich Contest.

The contest runs throughout March with 21 restaurants, delis and markets competing in 10 categories to be crowned the best sandwich maker.

Residents can vote in the following categories: Best chicken, best steak, best vegetarian, best combo, best club, best NY deli, best pressed sandwich, best breakfast sandwich, best wrap, and best fish/seafood sandwich.

After people sample sandwiches, they can vote for their favorites in each category on the chamber’s website. They will also be placed into a drawing to win a free sandwich from one of the 10 winners.

“Of course, the goal is to have people come to Westport and check out restaurants, our markets and our delis. This is a great promotion. I mean it is a competition, but mostly it’s to bring people to the restaurants. It also gives a great community activity because they are the ones who get to vote who makes the best one,” says Matthew Mandell, the chamber’s executive director.

Winners will be announced in April and receive a plaque.

The chamber has held similar contests to determine what establishment has the best pizza, burger, soup and salad.

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