57 More Bears Killed On Hunt's Third Day

Fifty-seven more black bears were killed on Wednesday, the third day of at least a six-day long, state-approved hunt that environmental and animal rights groups have called it a trophy hunt.

The additional 57 bears brings the three-day total for this year’s hunt to 366 bears, nearly 100 more than last year’s six-day total of 272. Officials said weather is a contributing factor to the increase.

“This is perfect hunting weather,” said Bob Considine, a spokesperson with the state Department of Environmental Protection. “Last year it was very cold and not good weather for walking around the woods.”

The hunt is scheduled to end 30 minutes prior to sunset Saturday but may be extended until Wednesday.

The hunt is being held when bears are becoming less active and beginning to hibernate for the winter. The December hunt was purposely planned for this time of year to be conservative. Only 251 bears were killed in 2013, a huge drop off from the 592 killed in 2010.

Of the 366 bears killed this year, the vast majority, 236 have been killed in Sussex County. Warren County is next with 66. Morris and Passaic counties are next with 39 and 20 bears each, respectively.

No black bears have been killed in Bergen, Somerset, or Mercer counties, however, the hunting area only includes a small section of Somerset County.

Kathleen Schatzmann, New Jersey state director for The Humane Society of the United States, called the hunt “scientifically unjustified.”

Schatzmann said that the hunt, “caters to a small but vocal club of self-interested individuals who wrongly believe these animals do not deserve protections.

“Instead of continually endorsing and expanding lethal methods for trophy hunters, the state would be better off helping citizens manage trash and outdoor food sources.”

The state Division of Fish and Wildlife estimates the state’s bear population to be about 3,500, about the same amount it was when the first hunt was authorized in 2010.

“It is a trophy hunt,” said Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, a non-profit environmental watchdog group. “This hunt has nothing to do with managing the bear population; it is all about sport.”