Fall is swiftly approaching: evenings are crisp, leaves are turning, and urban legislators are waxing poetic about the NJ Black Bear hunt. Meanwhile, rural Northwest New Jersey faces a serious issue: an overabundant black bear population threatening public safety, property, and overall well-being. Despite clear evidence and alarming incidents, some far-off legislators oppose a necessary hunt, clinging to ineffective non-lethal measures and political science while ignoring the harsh realities faced by rural communities.
The situation is dire. In August 2023, a woman in Lafayette was bitten by a bear while retrieving her mail, resulting in severe injuries. In Sparta, a bear viciously attacked an elderly woman’s dog, causing significant harm and emotional trauma. Rural roads have become increasingly hazardous with a rise in auto accidents involving black bears. These incidents are part of a troubling trend: as the bear population grows, so do risks to safety and animal welfare. After dizzying political gymnastics, the Murphy Administration conceded that there was a real danger and reinstated the hunt last year.
The Limitations of Non-Lethal Methods Including “Relocation”
Non-lethal methods like bear-proof trash cans, electric fences, and aversive conditioning have been proposed but are inadequate on their own. Research confirms that these strategies only offer temporary relief, failing to address the root cause: the unsustainable bear population. A scientific review found fertility control infeasible due to the lack of approved drugs and unrealistic costs. These measures cannot prevent bears from seeking food in residential areas or manage the broader population dynamics.
Relocating problem bears to Northwest New Jersey has only worsened the issue. Relocated bears struggle to adapt and often become problematic in their new environments. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife has noted an increase in bear sightings and incidents in these areas. Ironically, these relocated bears come from districts represented by legislators opposing the hunt: legislators who often represent districts with more Build-A-Bear workshops than actual bears. Their opposition is rooted in idealism rather than experience. Insulated from rural realities, they overlook the dangers posed by the growing bear population and advocate for non-lethal measures that are insufficient on their own. This stance disregards the urgent needs of communities struggling to manage bear conflicts.
An Open Invitation
I cordially invite any NJ legislator to join me in District 24 for a firsthand look at our bear management challenges. Let’s revisit some of my best memories of bear encounters, from a bear demolishing my children’s small backyard pool to one using a “bear-proof” can as a projectile against my car in an effort to reach its bounty. We can also reminisce about the time I had to “tree” a bear with a golf club to reach my son’s school bus, and we can segue into that time a bear went head-first into my shed, yet again attempting to get at those “bear-proof” cans, leaving a cartoon character-esque bear-shaped hole in the doors.
I’ve lived in Sussex County since I was eight years old, and spotting black bears is nothing new. However, dangerous bear encounters have exponentially increased. I fully appreciate that a regulated black bear hunt coupled with education measures is vital for managing wildlife effectively. Scientific studies clearly prove that regulated hunting controls bear populations and significantly reduces conflicts. By managing bear numbers, we can decrease dangerous encounters and minimize property damage. The black bear hunt in Northwest New Jersey is not a mere policy preference but a necessity, supported by scientific evidence and practical experience. I would very much appreciate distanced lawmakers understanding the same.
Alternatively, perhaps the best solution would be relocating “problem” bears to Trenton or another large city represented by these staunch opponents, giving lawmakers and their respective constituents a real taste of the issues they are legislating for.
