Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Rep. Phillips & Rep. Longhurst

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 33

REMEMBERING DELABEAR AND THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING VIGILANT WHILE DRIVING TO PROTECT OUR WILDLIFE.

WHEREAS, Delaware has no native black bear population; and

WHEREAS, a black bear was spotted in the Newark area in 2016; and

WHEREAS, this bear was affectionately named Delabear; and

WHEREAS, bears have been spotted up and down the State in the last several years including in Trolley Square and Milford; and

WHEREAS, on Saturday, June 22nd, 2024, a black bear was spotted in the Newark area; and

WHEREAS, this bear was affectionately named Delabear similar to previous black bears seen in New Castle County; and

WHEREAS, this bear quickly won the hearts and minds of Delawareans and was eagerly tracked on social media; and

WHEREAS, this black bear was spotted again in the Ogletown area on Monday, June 24 ^th ; and

WHEREAS, residents in the town of Bear reported multiple sightings of this black bear on Tuesday, June 25 ^th ; and

WHEREAS, at 11pm on June 25th the black bear was tragically struck and killed by a vehicle on Route 1; and

WHEREAS, the House of Representatives is relieved that there were no injuries to the vehicle’s occupants; and

WHEREAS, the House of Representatives mourns the loss of this majestic creature; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative to protect drivers and wildlife on our roadways as much as possible; and

WHEREAS, in 2023 the General Assembly passed a series of legislative initiatives to improve the safety of Delaware’s roads; and

WHEREAS, it is the continuing mission of the House of Representatives to improve road safety and protect our wildlife; and

WHEREAS, it is important that we ensure wildlife is safe and that as we encroach on wildlife habitats that we are taking the necessary steps to protect nature and create a harmonious coexistence.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the 152nd General Assembly of the State of Delaware that we encourage drivers to be vigilant and to keep an eye out for wildlife while driving.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the House of Representatives encourages developers, State agencies, and our State’s residents to consider nature and the wildlife within when moving forward with development projects throughout our State.