More Than 100 Bears Killed In NJ Hunt So Far

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — On Thursday, 16 more bears were killed, bringing the total to 113 in the second segment of a state-sanctioned hunt designed to control New Jersey's black bear population.

The majority of the bears were killed in Sussex County with 13, followed by two in Passaic County and one in Warren County. No bears were killed in Bergen, Hunterdon, Somerset, Morris or Mercer counties. The numbers are preliminary and subject to revision by the DEP.

This brings the total up to 113 bears killed so far in the second-segment of the hunt. A total of 68 bears were killed on the first day, 17 on the second and 12 on the third. The hunt will run through Saturday, Dec. 9.

Only guns may be used during the December hunt. Bows and arrows and muzzle-loaded weapons were allowed during the first six-day hunting period in October when 244 bears were killed.

The hunt is designed to control the state's black bear population. The animal is mostly common in the northern part of the state.

This is the 10th bear hunt in New Jersey since 2003. The hunt has been held every year since 2010. Last year was the first time in nearly 50 years hunters could use bows and arrows to hunt bruins in New Jersey.

(Image via Morguefile/gabbytaffner: Black Bear.)

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