A master wildlife conservationist will discuss the increasing bear population in Connecticut at the Noah Webster Library in West Hartford.

Submitted

Felicia Ortner, a Connecticut Master Wildlife Conservationist (MWC) and a bear enthusiast, will provide education and facts about bears in Connecticut during a program at Noah Webster Library on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room.

The black bear population in Connecticut is growing, but accumulated data supports that the black bear is seldom aggressive toward humans. Ortner, who has been studying bears for more than 30 years, will help dispel myths and common misunderstandings.

In the mid 1990s, Ortner turned her passion for learning about bears into a passion for teaching about them. She created an education program called “The Bear Reality.” In 2008, she developed a presentation for bear education programs she presents on a volunteer basis. Her audiences include libraries, nature centers, conservation groups, scouts and more.

To date, Ortner has provided presentations to more than 9,000 people at programs in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. She believes outreach and education is key to having a better understanding about the life and behavior of bears.

This event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited so please register for the event online (http://bit.ly/bearsinct) or by phone at 860-561-6950.

There is ample library event parking in the nearby Isham Garage. Please bypass the garage payment kiosks and come directly to the Information Desk on the main floor of the Noah Webster Library, 20 South Main St., where you may validate your parking with your license plate number and then proceed to the Learning Lab for the program.

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