Animals

Black bear activity on the rise, as animals prepare for hibernation

By Bill Bittar | October 14, 2021

MONROE, CT — Black bears are wandering all over town, while eating everything they can get their paws on. Police are receiving reports of tipped over trash cans, toppled bird feeders and break-ins into chicken coops. Animal Control Officer Ed Risko said the animals are at the stage of hyperphagia, when bears must consume 20,000 calories a day before hibernation. “They’re constantly on the move, walking and eating,” he said Thursday. Risko said bears forage for at least 20 hours a day during this stage, until hibernation which is in late December, depending on the weather.

Firefighters, police, rescue kitten trapped under a shed

Monroe bear sightings in July include a mamma and her cub

Does are giving birth to baby fawns. If you see a fawn, leave it alone

Black bear raids bird feeders, swims in pools, tries to enter houses and trash

Monroe family’s lost dog is back home after 45 days on the lam

By Bill Bittar | November 8, 2020

MONROE, CT — A reverend’s dog ran off after being struck by a car on Monroe Turnpike in September, starting a 45-day adventure, which included an encounter with a corgi named Noah and a water crossing before her miraculous return home. Read More

Monroe reverend prays for the safe return of his family’s dog

By Bill Bittar | September 24, 2020

MONROE, CT — The Rev. Kevin Merritt, pastor of Stepney Baptist Church, and his wife, Liz, are praying for the safe return of their dog, who was hit by a vehicle in front of their house at 810 Monroe Turnpike on Thursday, Sept. Read More

New business allows pet owners to take their dogs to school

By Bill Bittar | September 15, 2020

MONROE, CT — Training a dog or breaking in a puppy can take a lot of hard work, but those who want to make sure it’s done right, without as much time and frustration, can leave it to the professionals at All That Canine, a new business that opened at 849 Main St. Read More

Beavers cause flooding around Guskie Pond

By Bill Bittar | July 26, 2020

MONROE, CT — Animal Control Officer Ed Risko carried a chainsaw, while wading into the water of Guskie Pond Thursday morning. Read More

If you encounter a black bear, slowly back away

By Bill Bittar | July 24, 2020

MONROE, CT — Black bears are invading bird feeders, rooting through trash and crossing roadways, while passing through neighborhoods — and their daily activities have not gone unnoticed. Read More

Animal Reports: Unlicensed dog facility on Hawthorne Drive

By Bill Bittar | March 19, 2020

MONROE, Conn. — A resident of 31 Hawthorne Drive received a $100 infraction for allegedly operating a facility to board and train 12 dogs inside his house without a state license Monday, March 9.

Public may participate in meetings remotely, social events canceled or postponed

By Bill Bittar | March 16, 2020

MONROE, Conn. — First Selectman Ken Kellogg met with other town officials Monday to decide which meetings to have this week and determine, which ones should be rescheduled amid the coronavirus pandemic. Read More

A dog suffers a bite wound of an ‘unknown origin’

By Bill Bittar | March 4, 2020

MONROE, Conn. — A Church Street resident was cleaning off a gas grill after supper Wednesday, Feb. 26, when the pet owner heard something from the tree line.

Fox caught on video, an injured junco bird goes to rehab …

By Bill Bittar | February 25, 2020

MONROE, Conn. — An injured junco bird is recuperating at the Sharon Audubon Center after a Blanket Meadow resident scooped it up from his driveway, placed it in a box and drove it to Monroe Animal Control’s field office on Friday, Feb. Read More

‘What to do if you encounter a coyote while walking your dog’

By Bill Bittar | February 6, 2020

A New Hampshire man was hiking with his family in Kensington last month, when a coyote attacked his two-year-old son. Ian O’Reilly kicked the coyote, but when it kept fighting, biting him twice, he strangled it to death.