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The contentious black bear hunt in northern New Jersey is set to begin this Monday. The hunt, which will run through October 14th, is part of an effort to mitigate the frequency of human-bear encounters.
Last month, the New Jersey Fish and Game Council approved a bear population management plan. The decision was met with opposition from animal rights and environmental groups who argued that non-lethal management strategies should be prioritized.
The hunt is a response to increasing incidents of human-bear interactions. Proponents argue that it is a necessary measure to ensure public safety. However, critics contend that non-lethal methods, such as public education about bear behavior and securing trash storage, should be the focus of management efforts.
The upcoming hunt has sparked a heated debate among residents, conservationists, and animal rights advocates. Despite the objections, the council has decided to proceed with the hunt after a Superior Court judge ruled this week that it can go forward - though an appeal is possible.
A second round of hunting has been scheduled for early December, further intensifying the controversy surrounding the issue.