For the first time in five years, the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection has called for a bear hunt to reduce the black bear
population and bear complaints. The six-day hunt is being held in seven counties,
mostly in the northwest, and aims to reduce the approximate bear population
of 3,400 by 300 to 400. The DEP says 140 bears have been killed already
today, and one protester has been arrested.
Bill Craine, identifying himself as a New York resident and a CUNY
professor, told NJ.com, "We have to respect their right to live" as he was
arrested for refusing to leave a restricted area at the Whittingham Wildlife
Management Area during the first day of the bear hunt. He was joined by about
two dozen other protesters at the site, though troopers were present to
maintain order. But is New Jersey going about the bear problem the wrong way?
Angie Metler of the Animal Protection League of New Jersey told WNYC,
"Nationwide, studies have shown that non-lethal black bear management is the only
solution that works in reducing bear complaints." She also said the bear
population is still on the rise in Pennsylvania, despite record numbers of
bears killed over the past few years.
The state has issued 7,000 permits for the bear hunt; one hunter who shot a
120-pound yearling told NBC 4, "I'm gonna actually get a rug made out of
him," Bartnicki said. "It's on the way to the butcher; I'm gonna get a lot
of hamburger made out of it and some Italian bear roast." The state says
they will pair the hunt with education programs and bear-proof garbage cans.
Today also marks the first day of the deer hunt, in case you like bears but
just really want to shoot something.
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