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Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

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Reported Dead Swan Revealed To Be Decoy In CT: 'They Looked Pretty Real To Us' Reported Dead Swan Revealed To Be Decoy In CT: 'They Looked Pretty Real To Us'
Reported Dead Swan Revealed To Be Decoy In CT: 'They Looked Pretty Real To Us' A scene that could have proved quite morbid soon turned light-hearted when a swan reported to be dead at a Connecticut golf course turned out to be fake instead.  The incident played out in New Haven County on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 18, when Wallingford Animal Control received calls from several residents reporting a dead swan on a pond at Farms Country Club.  Animal control officials then prepared for the depressing task of collecting the deceased bird. However, after extensive talks with Department of Energy and Environmental Protection officials and several licensed wild…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Man Killed After Truck Strikes Car, Overturns Into Ditch On CT Road Man Killed After Truck Strikes Car, Overturns Into Ditch On CT Road
Man Killed After Truck Strikes Car, Overturns Into Ditch On CT Road A 39-year-old man was killed after losing control of his truck on a Connecticut road and hitting another car before overturning into a ditch, police said.  The crash happened in New London County on Sunday, Dec. 10 just after 5 p.m., when a Dodge Ram driven by 39-year-old Matthew Babcock of Lisbon was traveling north around a curve in the area of 509 Route 164 in Preston, according to state police. Babcock then lost control of the truck and slid into the southbound lane, colliding with a Toyota Camry. This crash caused the Dodge Ram to overturn into a ditch and come to a final rest on …

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by Ben Crnic
News
Moose Spotted Near CT Highway: Drivers Should Watch Out, Officials Say Moose Spotted Near CT Highway: Drivers Should Watch Out, Officials Say
Moose Spotted Near CT Highway: Drivers Should Watch Out, Officials Say State environmental officials are warning drivers to be cautious after a moose was spotted near a busy Connecticut highway exit. The warning came as the result of a sighting on Tuesday, Oct. 17, when a moose was seen in Hartford County near Exit 40 on Interstate 91 southbound in Windsor Locks, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced.  According to DEEP officials, the large animals can "pose hazard potential" to drivers, especially during the early morning and evening hours when they are most active. There are currently estimated to be just over 100 moose in the…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Truck Leaking Sewage On I-95 Stretch In Fairfield County Causes Multiple Crashes Truck Leaking Sewage On I-95 Stretch In Fairfield County Causes Multiple Crashes
Truck Leaking Sewage On I-95 Stretch In Fairfield County Causes Multiple Crashes A tractor-trailer leaking sewage on a stretch of I-95 in Connecticut aused multiple crashes and spin-outs, including two state police vehicles. The incident took place in Fairfield County around 11 p.m. Monday, July 17 on the northbound side in Bridgeport near Exit 28, said the Connecticut State Police. According to state police, a 34-year-old New Haven County man identified as Shaky Joseph of Waterbury knew the truck was leaking human waste in the travel lanes causing slick conditions. He exited the highway at the Route 8 Exit 17, and was called by his employer to stop and wait for state …

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Bobcat Attacks Man Sleeping In Hammock At CT State Park Bobcat Attacks Man Sleeping In Hammock At CT State Park
Bobcat Attacks Man Sleeping In Hammock At CT State Park A bobcat attacked an adult camper at a Connecticut state park. The attack took place during the early morning hours of Friday, June 30 in New London County at Selden Neck Island in Selden Neck State Park in Lyme. Paul Copleman, a spokesman for the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), said the man was sleeping in a hammock when he was attacked,  The man and two other adult computers killed the bobcat, he added. All three adults were taken to a local hospital for treatment.  The adults were leading a group of youth campers at the time, and it is believ…

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by Kathy Reakes
Weather
Canadian Fires: Air Quality 'Unhealthy' Across State, DEEP Warns Of Health Hazards Canadian Fires: Air Quality 'Unhealthy' Across State, DEEP Warns Of Health Hazards
Canadian Fires: Air Quality 'Unhealthy' Across State, Deep Warns Of Health Hazards Connecticut officials have issued a new warn for residents to expect heavy smoke conditions as wildfires continue to burn in Canada. Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) officials said the levels for Wednesday, June 7 have exceeded "unhealthy" for the entire state. That's especially worrisome for small children, people suffering from respiratory problems and the elderly, DEEP said.  Earlier report - Air Quality Alert: Widespread Smoke From Canadian Wildfires Lingers Throughout Region "When air quality is forecasted to be unhealthy, there is an increased …

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Large Moose Spotted In CT In Same Area Where 2 Others Were Killed Large Moose Spotted In CT In Same Area Where 2 Others Were Killed
Large Moose Spotted In CT In Same Area Where 2 Others Were Killed Officials are warning residents and motorists to use caution after another large moose was spotted in Connecticut. The moose was spotted in Hartford County in Bloomfield just three days after two were killed on I-91 by motorists just two miles away. The Bloomfield Police said the moose was spotted in the area of Ellsworth Drive on Saturday, May 20. Earlier report: Second Moose, Struck, Killed By Car In Hartland The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection also put out a warning on Twitter, asking residents to please not approach the animal and to use caution when driving especia…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Second Moose Killed In Crash On CT Roadway Second Moose Killed In Crash On CT Roadway
Second Moose Killed In Crash On CT Roadway A second moose has been hit and killed in Connecticut by a vehicle on the same day. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) says the moose was killed in Hartford County around 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 17, in Hartland on Route 179. No injuries were reported in the crash. The moose was an approximately 550-pound male and was estimated to be 1 to 2 years old, DEEP said. The crash follows a moose fatality from a motor vehicle collision earlier in the day. That incident took place in New Haven County around 6:50 a.m., Wednesday, in North Haven on northbound Route 15 -…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Black Bear Bites CT Woman Walking Dog Black Bear Bites CT Woman Walking Dog
Black Bear Bites CT Woman Walking Dog A Connecticut woman is recovering after being bitten by a black bear while walking her dog along a roadway. The incident took place in Hartford County early Friday, April 21 in the town of Avon. According to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, a 74-year-old woman was walking her dog on a leash along Berkshire Crossing Road when a female black bear approached and bit her.  The woman received non-life-threatening injuries and was transported by EMS personnel to a local hospital, DEEP officials said. The bear was humanely euthanized at the scene, they added…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Jackknifed Tractor-Trailer Spills Fuel On Snow-Covered I-84 Stretch Jackknifed Tractor-Trailer Spills Fuel On Snow-Covered I-84 Stretch
Jackknifed Tractor-Trailer Spills Fuel On Snow-Covered I-84 Stretch Fuel had to be cleaned from a snow-covered stretch of Interstate 84  in Connecticut following a crash involving a tractor-trailer.  The crash happened in Tolland County on Tuesday morning, Feb. 28, when an Amazon tractor-trailer crashed on Interstate 84 westbound in Willington between Exit 71 and Exit 72, according to state police.  The tractor-trailer became jackknifed and spilled fuel as a result of the crash, police said. Officials from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Environmental Services, Inc. then responded to the scene and were able to clean up the s…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Foraging Bear Sighted In New Canaan: Police Warn Of Encounters Foraging Bear Sighted In New Canaan: Police Warn Of Encounters
Foraging Bear Sighted In New Canaan: Police Warn Of Encounters After several sightings in New Canaan, police are warning residents that bears do not hibernate all winter and may come out to find food. The warning came after a bear was spotted on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 2:30 p.m. and Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 4:30 p.m. in New Canaan on North Wilton Road, according to New Canaan Police. The bear was spotted in New Canaan on North Wilton Road.Google Maps The bear was likely looking for food in bird feeders and garbage cans, according to authorities. "Bears do not hibernate all winter and will forage for food. Please know that bird feeders and accessible garb…

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by Ben Crnic
News
225-Pound Black Bear That Attacked Connecticut Boy Had 'Rare Pieces Of Macaroni' In Stomach 225-Pound Black Bear That Attacked Connecticut Boy Had 'Rare Pieces Of Macaroni' In Stomach
225-Pound Black Bear That Attacked Connecticut Boy Had 'Rare Pieces Of Macaroni' In Stomach A 225-pound black bear that attacked a 10-year-old boy had rare pieces of macaroni in his stomach, according to a necropsy. The male bear attacked the boy in Litchfield County on Sunday, Oct. 16, as he played in his grandparent's yard in the town of Morris. Following the attack, which left the boy with non-life-threatening injuries including claw marks on his back and injuries to his leg, the bear was euthanized. The report, released by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on Thursday, Oct. 20,  said “rare pieces of macaroni” were found in the bear’s stomac…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Black Bear That Attacked 10-Year-Old CT Boy Tested For Rabies Black Bear That Attacked 10-Year-Old CT Boy Tested For Rabies
Black Bear That Attacked 10-Year-Old CT Boy Tested For Rabies A bear that attacked a 10-year-old Connecticut boy has been tested for rabies as a precaution. The bear attacked the boy in Litchfield County on Sunday, Oct. 16, in his grandparent's yard in Morris. Following the attack, which left the boy with non-life-threatening injuries including claw marks on his back and injuries to his leg, was euthanized shortly after the attack. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says the black bear was tested for rabies and the test has come back negative. Earlier report: New Details Emerge After Morris 10-Year-Old Boy Attacked By Black …

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Butchered Ram Found Near River In Fairfield County Butchered Ram Found Near River In Fairfield County
Butchered Ram Found Near River In Fairfield County A butchered sheep was found near a river near a candle and white powder in Fairfield County. The incident took place in Easton on Sunday, Aug. 21 when a hiker found the dead sheep near the Mill River at South Park Avenue and Buck Hill Road. When officers arrived, they found a candle that was burned out and some sort of white powder poured on the ground in a rectangular pattern approximately 15 feet away, said Easton Police Chief Richard Doyle. "The investigation determined that the animal was an adult Ram male which had been professionally butchered elsewhere and dumped at the site," Doyle…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
'Remain Calm': CT DEEP Offers Guidance For Snake Encounters 'Remain Calm': CT DEEP Offers Guidance For Snake Encounters
'Remain Calm': CT Deep Offers Guidance For Snake Encounters During the time of year when snakes are most active, Connecticut officials have released guidance on how residents should react when encountering snakes on their property.  Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) issued the guidance on Friday, July 29. “Snakes are often needlessly killed by people because of mistaken identity, fear, and misunderstanding,” said Jenny Dickson, DEEP Wildlife Division director. “If you unexpectedly come across a snake, the snake is likely as startled as you are. The best course of action is to remain calm. All snakes will ret…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
CT Rock Climber Rescued After Being Stuck For Hours On Cliff, Officials Say CT Rock Climber Rescued After Being Stuck For Hours On Cliff, Officials Say
CT Rock Climber Rescued After Being Stuck For Hours On Cliff, Officials Say A rock climber was rescued by a technical rescue team after his leg became lodged in between two rocks for more than three hours. The incident took place in Windham County in Killingly on Wednesday, July 27 at Ross Cliffs in Old Furnace State Park.  The Killingly Fire Department and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection responded to a report of an adult male who got his leg stuck between two rocks while rock climbing at Ross Cliffs in Old Furnace State Park near the Ross Pond Boat Launch in Killingly, said Will Healy, spokesman for DEEP. The South Killingly Multi-Agenc…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
ID Released For CT Fatal Boating Accident Victim ID Released For CT Fatal Boating Accident Victim
ID Released For CT Fatal Boating Accident Victim State officials have released the identity of a person killed during a boating accident on the Connecticut River that also injured seven, two of them children. The incident in Middlesex County, in the town of Portland in the area of Gildersleeve Island on Sunday, July 10. The preliminary investigation by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection revealed that a 21-foot Yamaha jet boat was traveling north on the river when it suddenly veered toward the shoreline, said James Fowler, of DEEP. The vessel ultimately collided with rocks on the bank of the river. As a resul…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Off-Duty Cop Who Killed Beloved Bear In Fairfield County Won't Be Charged Off-Duty Cop Who Killed Beloved Bear In Fairfield County Won't Be Charged
Off-Duty Cop Who Killed Beloved Bear In Fairfield County Won't Be Charged An off-duty Fairfield County police officer who killed a beloved local bear will not be charged. Bobbi the black bear was killed on Thursday, May 12 in Newtown by Ridgefield police officer Lawrence Clarke. Last week, the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection found that based on an investigation there is "insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against the homeowner." The incident, which left two bear cubs orphaned, began when Clarke reported to DEEP he shot the bear after numerous encounters with the same bear, known to the state as bear #217, over multiple d…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Here's What New Sweeping CT Emissions-Reduction Law Means To You Here's What New Sweeping CT Emissions-Reduction Law Means To You
Here's What New Sweeping CT Emissions-Reduction Law Means To You Connecticut is joining many of its neighboring states in adopting new emissions standards for medium and heavy-duty vehicles to improve air quality across the state. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced that state lawmakers approved legislation that would see the state adopt California’s emissions standards, similar to neighboring Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey. According to Lamont, the new standards “will ensure that manufacturers are producing cleaner vehicles and offering them for sale in Connecticut, giving prospective consumers more options while reducing a major source of in…

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by Zak Failla
News
IDs Released For Two Killed In Boating Accident Off Fairfield County Coast IDs Released For Two Killed In Boating Accident Off Fairfield County Coast
IDs Released For Two Killed In Boating Accident Off Fairfield County Coast State officials have released the identities of two men killed in a boating accident off the coast of Fairfield County. The men have been identified as Cristofer Cifuentes, age 26, and Ludyn Cifuentes, age 41, both of New York City, said Will Healy, spokesman for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The men were found with two other boaters who were pulled from the cold waters of Long Island Sound off of West Beach in Stamford, following a boating accident on Sunday, April 17, Healy said. The two other men remain in critical condition. See Earlier Story: Secon…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Fire Breaks Out At Pepperidge Farm Facility In CT Fire Breaks Out At Pepperidge Farm Facility In CT
Fire Breaks Out At Pepperidge Farm Facility In CT A tent fire with several drums of toxic chemicals underneath halted production at a Connecticut Pepperidge Farm bakery plant. The incident took place around 4:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 23, at the bakery in Hartford County located at 1414 Blue Hills Ave. in Bloomfield. According to Blue Hills Fire Chief Willie Jones, firefighters arriving on the scene found several drums containing about 200 gallons of sulfuric acid under a tent-life structure burning. Afraid the chemicals could cause a hazard, the building was evacuated and the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection was ca…

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by Kathy Reakes
Lifestyle
Connecticut AG Issues Consumer Warning As Gas Prices Spike Connecticut AG Issues Consumer Warning As Gas Prices Spike
Connecticut AG Issues Consumer Warning As Gas Prices Spike With gas prices rising to record highs in Connecticut, Attorney General William Tong is cautioning consumers to be aware of potential price gouging at the pump. In Connecticut, the price of gas has risen to an average of $4.28 per gallon, the highest rate the state has recorded since May 2012. Earlier story - Here's Breakdown By County On How Much Gas Prices Have Increased In CT Since Last Week State statute requires that the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) monitor the wholesale price of gasoline in the Hartford and New Haven areas, officials noted. When the who…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Police Warn Residents Two Coyotes Have Been Seen In Fairfield County Police Warn Residents Two Coyotes Have Been Seen In Fairfield County
Police Warn Residents Two Coyotes Have Been Seen In Fairfield County Police are warning residents that two coyotes have been seen in Fairfield County. Officials said early Wednesday, Sept. 8, they have been notified by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection that the two coyotes were spotted in Norwalk around Flax Hill Park. They are reminding residents of steps to take in the event they encounter the animals or to prevent coyotes from coming into their yards. Pet owners are urged to keep their dogs leashed and insight. If they are in the yard, homes should have coyote-proof fencing. Never feed coyotes, and remove bird feeders, fallen f…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
CT Man Nabbed For Sexual Assault Of Minor, Police Say CT Man Nabbed For Sexual Assault Of Minor, Police Say
CT Man Nabbed For Sexual Assault Of Minor, Police Say A Connecticut man, who has been hiding from the police, was arrested on a warrant for alleged sexual assault of a minor. Windham County resident Gillan R. Gardner, age 47, was arrested on Tuesday, Aug. 24, after he was found at an area park. Gardner, of Plainfield, had an active warrant stemming from a November incident in which a juvenile girl reported he had inappropriate sexual contact with her, said Plainfield Chief of Police Mario A. Arriaga.  He was arrested and charged with sexual assault and risk of injury to a minor, with the help of the state Department of Energy&n…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Cause Of Death Released After Bodies Of Missing CT Teens Found In River Cause Of Death Released After Bodies Of Missing CT Teens Found In River
Cause Of Death Released After Bodies Of Missing CT Teens Found In River Officials have announced that the cause of death for two teenage boys whose bodies were located in a river in Connecticut. Large rescue teams had been searching the area surrounding the Farmington River due to high and rough waters, for the teens who were reported missing by their families on Thursday, July 15. Personal belongings, including their cellphones and clothing, were found on the banks of the river in Plainview.  On Tuesday, July 20, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death for 15-year-old Lucas Brewer and 17-year-old Anthony Nagore the cause was…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Black Bear Visiting Homes, Touching Residents In Fairfield County Town Black Bear Visiting Homes, Touching Residents In Fairfield County Town
Black Bear Visiting Homes, Touching Residents In Fairfield County Town One pesky black bear seems to have made himself at home in one Fairfield County town, even walking up to people and sitting in their sunrooms. Police in Westport, said they began receiving calls on Wednesday, June 23, of multiple sightings of the bear in the northern part of town, said Westport PD Lt. David Wolf. Westport Police officers as well as the animal control officer responded to a home on Highland Road around 2:30 p.m., on a report of a bear in the yard. After it departed that location, it went to a second home on the same road and reportedly put his paw on an individual…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Residents Up In Arms After 'Gobbles' The Turkey Shot, Killed In Fairfield County Residents Up In Arms After 'Gobbles' The Turkey Shot, Killed In Fairfield County
Residents Up In Arms After 'Gobbles' The Turkey Shot, Killed In Fairfield County Some residents of a Fairfield County neighborhood are up in arms after a male turkey who once lived in the area was shot and killed by police. The incident took place on Wednesday, May 26, when Bridgeport Police were called to the area of Burnham and Alsace streets after a contractor began allegedly kicking the turkey -- named Gobble by some residents -- after it became aggressive toward him. Once the police officer arrived on the scene, the turkey also attacked the officer and damaged his ballistic vest, said Bridgeport Police Sgt. Stacey Lyons. Lyons said the battle with "Gobble" has bee…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Large Bear Killed After Being Struck By Two Vehicles In Connecticut Large Bear Killed After Being Struck By Two Vehicles In Connecticut
Large Bear Killed After Being Struck By Two Vehicles In Connecticut A large black bear was killed after being hit by two vehicles on Route 202 in Connecticut. The crash took place around 9:30 p.m., Friday, May 30, in Litchfield County, on Route 202 in the Town of Litchfield, near the Torrington line, said Will Healy with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. There were no major injuries to the drivers of the vehicles, the bear was deceased upon DEEP EnCon Police arriving at the scene, Healy said. The bear was untagged and uncollared, estimated to be between 175-200 pounds. Related story: Three Hospitalized After Moose Struck,…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Injured Bald Eagle Rescued By Hiker, ECONN Police Injured Bald Eagle Rescued By Hiker, ECONN Police
Injured Bald Eagle Rescued By Hiker, Econn Police An injured bald eagle found by a hiker was rescued by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and is being treated. The bird, with an injured wing, was found in Thomaston, in Litchfield County, by a hiker and was unable to fly, said the ECONN Police. DEEP Officer John Chickos rescued the eagle and then swaddled it in his coat and placed it into an open bag to keep it warm and so it could spread out a little. The department then took the bird to the Sharon Audubon Center where it is said to be doing well, DEEP officials said. Anyone who spots an injured animal in t…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Warning Issued For Coyote Acting 'Aggressively' In Residential Stamford Neighborhood Warning Issued For Coyote Acting 'Aggressively' In Residential Stamford Neighborhood
Warning Issued For Coyote Acting 'Aggressively' In Residential Stamford Neighborhood Police are warning residents in a Stamford neighborhood to watch out for a coyote described as "aggressive." There have been reports of household pets taken in the Cove Road area of the city when they are unattended outdoors.  "We are advising EXTREME caution with this animal," the Stamford Police Department said. Police are also warning residents not to approach the animal and to keep an eye on all pets and children while outdoors. Residents who do spot the animal are asked to call 911 immediately. The department is working with Stamford Animal Control to locate and remove the animal.…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
DEEP Fish Autopsy To Solve Mystery Of Pond 'Floaters' DEEP Fish Autopsy To Solve Mystery Of Pond 'Floaters'
Deep Fish Autopsy To Solve Mystery Of Pond 'Floaters' A fish autopsy is being performed by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection following reports of floating dead fish. Environmental agents informed the town of Berlin on Monday, Sept. 14, that several fish in Paper Goods Pond had recently died and it isn’t clear why. Town officials said that they had treated the pond with herbicides over the summer. The company they hired applied the herbicide by boat at less than half the recommended rate, CT Post reported. The DEEP says that the killer is most likely invasive weeds growing in the pond, sucking up all the oxygen and leaving …

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by Kristin Palpini