Black Bear Hunt in New Jersey

For the first time since 1970 the hunting of black bears in portions of New Jersey was authorized for six days, ending today. When bear hunting was banned In 1970 it was estimated that around 100 bears were left in New Jersey. However, now the black bear population is estimated to be as high as 3,200.

But, there are problems that arise when bears live near populated areas. Animal rights activists say the bears aren't the problem, the people are the problem. Is that right? Take a look at this:

Actually, the bears are a problem, according to the state. Between Jan. 1 and Nov. 28, the state Division of Fish and Wildlife fielded 1,395 complaints about black bears, including 206 reports of aggressive bears, 58 house break-ins and 21 attempted break-ins.

Nor do New Jersey's problem bears know how to keep their place, according to wildlife officials from other states.

"Despite annual hunting seasons conducted in southeastern New York, the number of bears and the frequency and severity of human-bear conflicts have increased markedly during recent years, culminating in the tragic death of an infant last summer," New York environmental Commissioner Erin Crotty wrote to Department of Environmental Protection Bradley Campbell earlier this year. [Emphasis added.]

"Our staffs attribute these increases, in part, to recent increases in bear numbers in New Jersey," Crotty said. Link.

Opponents of the hunt protested, and a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order eliminating a recreational area which comprised 20% to 25% of the approximately one million acres that were originally available for hunting. However, the restraining order was lifted on 12/9, the second day of the hunt:

"Given the state of New Jersey's research on this issue and the fact that the hunt will only be feasible for a limited time due to the start of the bears' hibernation cycle, which commenced at the beginning of December, the Court concludes that other parties would suffer harm if further injunctive relief is granted," [U.S. District Judge Reggie B.] Walton wrote. Link. [Emphasis added.]

Over 5,200 hunting permits were issued. And it was estimated that 500 bears would be killed, however, as of Friday afternoon 253 bears had been killed.

Update 12/17/03: According to AP via ESPN there were 328 bears killed - about 10% of the bear population . There were 209 females and 119 males killed according to state Division of Fish and Wildlife Director Martin McHugh who said that 16 of them had previously been tagged as "nuisance" bears.

The governor, James E. McGreevey, had apparently backed a five year moratorium on bear hunts during his campaign. But, he changed his position on the issue when complaints about the bears mounted and other means of controlling the bear population had failed. So, it will be interesting to see how this plays out politically as there was a definite disagreement on the issue between the people threatened by the bears and those opposed to the hunts. (Link.)

Comments

[Ben Holbrook]

Great post!! Thanks for shring.

[Brenda Booker]

We have great bear hunts in Alaska too!