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New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife (NJDFW) uses an integrated approach via a Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy (CBBMP) to manage black bears that includes research, education, enforcement of intentional/unintentional feeding ban, aversive conditioning, lethal control of Category I bears, and a regulated bear hunting season. The CBBMP is used to manage bears at a level commensurate with available habitat and consistent with a reduced risk to public safety and property. The land-based framework used for informing and implementing the CBBMP, Bear Management Zones (BMZs), are delineated by major and minor roads and waterways and were designated with consideration of habitat quality. The Division, under authority of the Fish and Game Council, designates these boundaries, and they are updated on an as-needed basis. Included for reference are the county and township data. From a population of fewer than 100 in the 1970s, the black bear population has rebounded through appropriate management. The highest densities of bears are found in the northwest part of New Jersey, though over time, the black bear population has expanded south and east, resulting in sightings in all 21 counties. The CBBMP is used to manage bears at a level commensurate with available habitat and consistent with a reduced risk to public safety and property. Black bears have great value to the people of the state and are photographed, watched, and hunted in New Jersey. Please visit https://www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearseason_info.htm for more information and detailed instructions pertaining to permits and licensing. |