Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
A Connecticut homeowner called state authorities after shooting a black bear in his backyard.
Now he is facing a criminal charge.
Michael Gero, 39, told investigators the bear had broken into an enclosure and killed several chickens. He reportedly saw the bear eating one before he fired.
Gero also believes the same bear killed his goats in August, according to WFSB.
He Reported the Shooting
The incident happened Friday at Gero’s property in Granby.
Gero contacted the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection after killing the animal. Environmental Conservation Police investigated and cited him for illegally taking a black bear.
The charge may carry up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine for a first offense under Connecticut law.
Gero is expected to appear in Torrington Superior Court in early October.
This was not his first close encounter with a bear.
WFSB interviewed Gero in 2024 after another bear attacked one of his goats. Gero said he struck that animal with a branch and chased it into the woods.
Connecticut Law Draws a Fine Line
Connecticut law allows someone to kill a bear when that person reasonably believes it threatens serious bodily harm to a human.
Deadly force is also allowed when a bear attacks a legally controlled pet or enters an occupied building.
However, chickens and goats kept as livestock do not necessarily qualify as protected pets under that provision.
SEE ALSO: PTR 9KT MP5K Build: My $5,008 Dream Gun
State law instead directs livestock owners toward Connecticut’s agricultural damage permit process. That process requires property owners to try nonlethal measures first.
They must then consult a DEEP wildlife biologist. The agency must approve a permit before the owner can legally kill a damaging bear.
That distinction sits at the center of the controversy.
The bear was reportedly inside Gero’s enclosure and actively feeding on one of his chickens. Yet the law appears to treat that situation differently from an attack on a household pet.
Residents Question the Charge
The case drew thousands of comments after WFSB shared it online. Many commenters argued that Gero should have been allowed to protect his animals on his property.
Granby Town Manager Mike Walsh also expressed sympathy for Gero. He suggested lawmakers should review the statute and that DEEP should provide communities with better guidance.
DEEP said the bear was not tagged and that the agency knew of no other reported attacks connected to it.
The facts will now move into court. The larger question may eventually land with state lawmakers: How long must a property owner wait while a bear kills his livestock?
Self-defense doesn’t end when the threat goes down. That’s when the real battle begins. Lawyers. Prosecutors. Headlines. USCCA Members never fight that battle alone. Find out how.
*** Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! ***
Available on GunsAmerica Now
is a seasoned outdoorsman, lifelong hunter, and the kind of guy who’d rather track whitetails than scroll social media. As an editor for GunsAmerica, he’s got a sharp eye for spotting both solid gear and bad gun laws. Whether he’s deep in the woods or deep in editorial deadlines, Larry brings a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is approach to firearms, hunting, and the great American tradition of self-reliance. If there’s a hot debate on gun rights or the latest in hunting tech, you can bet Larry’s got an opinion—and it’s probably backed up with both facts and field experience.
Experience:
– Licensed Bowhunter, Hunter, and Trapper – Experienced in ethical hunting and wildlife conservation.
– Concealed Carry Permit Holder (NYS & AZ) – Trained and licensed to carry in multiple states.
– 2A Journalist – Covering firearms legislation, Second Amendment issues, and gun rights for over a decade.
– Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Certified to provide emergency medical care in the field.
– Field-Tested Gear Reviewer – Hands-on experience with firearms, optics, and hunting tech.