Black bear sightings are on the rise in Connecticut. This educational presentation will explain the myths and the facts about sharing your neighborhood with wild bears. Felicia Ortner, a Connecticut Master Wildlife Conservationist (MWC) and a bear enthusiast, will provide education and facts about bears and help dispel myths and common misunderstandings. Accumulated data supports the black bear is seldom aggressive toward humans. Topics Include:

• Local wildlife and natural history
• Bear folklore and legends
• Bears in our backyard
• Wildlife safety and conservation

About the Presenter: Felicia Ortner is a Master Wildlife Conservationist and bear enthusiast. She will dispel some of the myths associated with bears, provide natural history information, and talk about the results of black bear research conducted by wildlife biologists in the state. In 2008 Felicia developed a presentation for bear education programs she presents on a volunteer basis. Her audiences include libraries, nature centers, conservation groups, scouts and more.Since 2008, Felicia has provided presentations reaching over 7500 people at programs in CT, NY, MA, NH and, VT. Felicia believes outreach and education is key in having a better understanding about the life and behavior of bears. Hopefully this will lead to a higher tolerance which is instrumental in creating a strategy of coexistence between humans and bears. For more information visit www.thebearreality.org