Connecticut

Growing Concerns Over Recent Bald Eagle Deaths

Published

2 years ago

May 24, 2023

Press Room

Growing Concerns Over Recent Bald Eagle Deaths

There are growing concerns following the recent deaths of two bald eagles in Connecticut.

A rehabilitation center says it knows what is poisoning the birds and it’s calling on the state to act.

At A Place Called Hope in Killingworth, Director Christine Cummings helps to care for sick or hurt birds of prey, including recently this bald eagle from Bloomfield.

“His body condition was so bad we didn’t think he’d survive the first two or three nights,” said Cummings.

But sadly he passed away a few weeks later. And it happened not long after the death of a bald eagle found in New Hartford.

“It’s shocking. We see a lot of death here at our center. But the American bald eagle we’re used to getting them in with situations we can fix. And this has been devastating for us,” said Cummings.

The organization says both eagles and dozens of other birds tested positive for stuff from basically rat poison.

It’s actually called Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticide, or SGARS.

“What we are finding with these SGARS is they are incredibly powerful,” said Sen. Christine Cohen (D–Branford).

Right now, a bill in the state Senate would truly restrict the use to pest management companies. But Cohen says that does not go far enough.

“We really believe there needs to be a full ban in place to adequately to protect our wildlife across the state,” said Cohen.

A potential ban has faced opposition. In a letter to lawmakers, the Connecticut Pest Control Association says a ban would end “the use of the most effective and affordable means of preventing rat infestations.”

But wildlife advocates believe there are other treatment options. Then they say birds won’t end up picking up the dangerous chemicals from rodents.

“This is so unnecessary and so preventable,” said Cummings.

Source link

Connecticut

Stolen Connecticut fire pickup truck located in Deerfield after driver impersonated police officer

Published

7 hours ago

January 19, 2025

Press Room

Stolen Connecticut fire pickup truck located in Deerfield after driver impersonated police officer

Generate Key Takeaways

Massachusetts State Police arrested a Windsor, Connecticut man after he stole a fire department pickup truck and impersonated a police officer.

Troopers were alerted of a Windsor Fire Department pickup truck conducting suspicious motor vehicle stops along Interstate 91 in Northampton and Whatley.

The truck driver would turn on his emergency lights, stop and interact with vehicles, and fail to identify himself.

Troopers were ordered to be on the lookout for the truck.

After a short time, Deerfield and Mass. State Police located and identified the truck and ordered it to stop. The truck driver pulled over briefly before driving away, starting a pursuit.

Officers were successfully able to deploy stop sticks, stopping the truck in the rest area of the Deerfield Weigh Station at mile marker 37. The driver was taken into custody around 5 A.M. without further incident.

When officers were able to contact the Police and Fire officials of the Connecticut State Police, they learned that the suspect allegedly broke into the Windsor firehouse, attempted to start a fire, and stole a pickup truck early Saturday morning.

The suspect, 46-year-old Kristian Avery of Windsor, Connecticut is facing charges in Massachusetts of:

receiving stolen property
impersonating a police office
failure to stop for police
improper use of emergency lights.

The incident is currently under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

Source link

Connecticut

Governor Lamont urges residents to prepare for significant snowfall

Published

15 hours ago

January 18, 2025

Press Room

Governor Lamont urges residents to prepare for significant snowfall

HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – Governor Ned Lamont advised Connecticut residents to prepare for the first significant statewide snowfall of the winter season.

The snow is expected to begin on the afternoon of Sunday, January 19, 2025, and continue into Monday morning.

Meteorologists predict that most of the state will receive 4 to 10 inches of snow.

Motorists are urged to plan ahead and avoid travel during the height of the storm, which is expected to impact road conditions.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has more than 600 snowplows and specialized snow removal equipment ready for deployment across the state.

Crews are on standby throughout the weekend and will remain active until the roads are cleared of snow and ice.

“We’ve only had relatively light snow so far this winter, but this is the first storm where most of the state can expect to see an accumulation of more than several inches,” Governor Lamont said. “This storm is being forecast well in advance, so now is the time to prepare. If possible, stay off the roads, enjoy the game, and wait until conditions improve. If you need to drive, take it slow, and if you approach a plow, please keep a safe distance and allow them to do their jobs.”

“If you must travel during this storm, please slow down, use caution, and leave extra space between your vehicle and others,” said Laoise King, Deputy Commissioner of CTDOT.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, there were 498 fatal crashes and over 32,000 injury crashes caused by snow or sleet conditions.

Tips for Staying Safe Around Snowplows:

Maintain Distance: Stay well behind snowplows and avoid their blind spots.
Avoid Passing: Passing a snowplow is dangerous and can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of collisions.
Give Plows Space: Allow plenty of room for snowplow operators to work safely.

Winter Driving Safety Tips:

Slow Down: Adjust your speed to match road conditions and increase your following distance.
Equip Winter Tires: Winter tires improve traction on icy and snowy roads.
Stay Informed: Check weather reports and road conditions before traveling. Visit CTroads.org for real-time updates.
Prepare an Emergency Kit: Keep essentials such as blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, and a first aid kit in your vehicle.
Never Drive Impaired: Driving under the influence is illegal and hazardous to all road users.

For more information on snowplow safety and winter driving, visit NHTSA Winter Driving Tips.

To receive emergency alerts, visit CTAlert.

Source link