Connecticut Released Bear Deterrent Mat Instructions
State officials issued guidance for building electric mats to prevent black bears from entering residential homes.
Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Wildlife
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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has released instructions for constructing electric mats designed to deter black bears. The guidance follows a rise in bear home entries across the state, which have surpassed 50 incidents in 2026.
Why it matters
The state is providing these instructions due to an increase in home entries by bears, aiming to give residents a practical method for home protection. These deterrents use nonlethal electric shocks to discourage bears from approaching doorways.
Officials recommend a mat voltage of at least 6,000 volts to effectively deter bears. The device requires a rubber mat, galvanized hardware cloth, zip ties, and an electric fence energizer with a recommended output rating of 0.5 to 1.0 joules.
The players
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
This state agency is responsible for the management of natural resources and the implementation of wildlife safety protocols in Connecticut.
The details
The device functions by the bear completing an electrical circuit upon stepping on the mat, delivering a nonlethal shock. For residents unable to build their own mats, the department also offers a loan program.
Timeline
1988: Electric animal-deterrent mat patent filed.
2010: Bear Busters created the first electric doormats for bears.
2020-2025: Bears entered 265 Connecticut homes.
2025: Forty bear home entries were reported.
2026: Over 50 bear home entries occurred.
Culture Shift
The adoption of these electric mats reflects a shift toward using preventative, nonlethal technology to coexist with increasing wildlife populations in residential areas. This mirrors strategies seen in the Lake Tahoe region, where such deterrents have been used for years to mitigate human-bear conflict.
Residents can build their own deterrent mats using household materials or contact the state to inquire about the equipment loan program. Those living in areas with frequent sightings should consider this setup to prevent future home entries.
The takeaway
The use of these mats provides a clear, nonlethal option for homeowners to secure their properties against bear incursions. By completing an electrical circuit, these devices offer a simple deterrent for residents dealing with persistent wildlife activity.
Further reading
Learn more about local fauna and state conservation efforts in the Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New Haven Register.
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