The Humane Society of the United States Praises Governor Corzine and DEP Commissioner Jackson for Decision to End State Black Bear Hunt

November 16, 2006

WASHINGTON – The Humane Society of the United States today commended the decision by New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine and Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa Jackson to prevent the trophy hunting of black bears in New Jersey. The state's bear hunt has been fraught with controversy since its reintroduction in 2003, after more than three decades of bear protection. The hunt was cancelled in 2004 only to be reinstated in 2005. This year's cancellation signals a humane and science-based direction for the state's bear management policy.

"The citizens of New Jersey have expressed their opposition to the trophy hunting of bears and we commend Governor Corzine and Commissioner Jackson for heeding the call," said Michael Markarian, executive vice president for The HSUS. "Killing bears simply for their heads and hides is inhumane, scientifically reckless, and bad management policy. State leaders are right to offer a different approach."

The state of New Jersey has no estimated statewide bear population statistics, making any plan for a bear hunt unscientific at best. Proponents of the hunt argued that a hunt is needed to reduce human-bear conflicts. "There is no data to suggest that hunting has any effect on human bear conflicts," said Lauren Nolfo-Clements, Ph.D., wildlife scientist for The HSUS. "In fact, human population growth and media attention have been found to have a much greater influence on wildlife complaint and perceived conflicts."

The HSUS advocates citizen education programs as the best response to bear conflicts. "A simple trash-management program can reduce the number of bears who venture into inhabited areas more than killing just any bear who lives in the forest," Markarian said.

The HSUS recommends the following for avoiding bear conflicts:

• Utilize bear-proof trashcans and keep them in an inaccessible area (i.e. garage).
• If garbage pick-up is scheduled for the morning, do not leave it overnight but place it on the curb during the day just one or two hours prior to removal.
• Feed dogs and cats inside the home and store their food inside as well.
• Remove bird feeders if they attract bears.
• Eliminate attractive food aromas by cleaning and storing barbecue grills after each use (remember the grease trap) and, for the same reason, do not burn garbage or place food scraps in the compost pile.
• Leave soiled diapers and diaper pails inside.

"Trophy hunters try to dupe people into believing that hunting bears is the answer, but recreational hunting does not target individual problem bears or eliminate the sources of food that attract bears and create problems," added Markarian. "Attempting to reduce bear problems through a random hunt is like a crime control strategy that involves shooting into a crowded room. We applaud this decision and look forward to working with the state to address bear conflicts humanely and effectively."

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization with nearly 10 million members and constituents. The HSUS is a mainstream voice for animals, with active programs in companion animals, disaster preparedness and response, wildlife and habitat protection, marine mammals, animals in research, equine protection, and farm animal welfare. The HSUS protects all animals through education, investigation, litigation, legislation, advocacy and field work. The nonprofit organization is based in Washington and has field representatives and offices across the country.