Connecticut needs a "stand your ground" rule applicable to all marauders, naked or dressed in furs alike.

Connecticut man charged with shooting black bear that killed chickens in Granby

GRANBY — A town man has been charged with allegedly shooting and killing a black bear on Friday, an official says.

Will Healey, a spokesperson for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said a homeowner in Granby called the DEEP Emergency Dispatch on Friday reporting that he had killed a bear that was attacking his livestock.

Healey said DEEP Environmental Conservation Police investigated and determined that the man, identified as 39-year-old Michael Gero, shot the bear after it broke into an enclosure and killed some of his chickens. Gero reported that he observed the bear eating a chicken in his yard before shooting the bear, Healey said.

Gero also reported that he believed the bear killed his goats last month, Healey said. Gero was charged with illegal taking of black bear and was scheduled to appear in state Superior Court in Torrington on Oct. 9.

If I were defending the man, I’d assert the common law “Castle Doctrine” that gives homeowners the right to defend their home, but an explicit, broader statute would be better.

Friggin’ Smokey’s growing awfully bold these days.