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Bear policy considers all options
Unreleased rules list birth control, hunting
Thursday, March 24, 2005
BY BRIAN T. MURRAY
Star-Ledger Staff
Both hunting and birth control will be considered potential tools for controlling the state's black bear population under a "comprehensive management strategy" issued yesterday by state wildlife officials in response to a state Supreme Court order.
The 21-page policy, which was not publicly released, is a result of a legal battle that erupted when Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bradley Campbell stymied a six-day bear hunt proposed last year by the state Fish and Game Council.
"It's a policy, not a plan, and yes, it includes hunting and some form of immuno-contraception or sterilization. It also lists relocation -- all the options available to the state for management of New Jersey bears," said council chairman Scott Ellis.
The Supreme Court stopped last year's hunt four days before it was to start, ruling Dec. 2 that it had no way of knowing if the council was justified in launching a hunt to control the bear population. The court said a comprehensive bear policy was needed.
The court also ruled that the council shares responsibility for wildlife management with the DEP commissioner.
Both the DEP and the council declined to make the policy document public, contending Campbell must first review it. Campbell has said public hearings will be held on the policy, with the possibility of modifications being made before it is approved.
Animal rights advocates have opposed controlling bears through hunting. Wildlife officials contend it remains the only effective tool.
Under the Supreme Court ruling, if Campbell signs off on the management policy, the council would be free to reinitiate a hunt. A bear hunt is included in the council's 2005 Game Code, but it will not proceed unless the management plan is finalized this year, said Ellis.
In 2003, state wildlife biologists estimated that 3,200 bears roamed 1,580 square miles in the northwestern corner of the state. Last year biologists released data only for an intensely studied 580-square-mile section, where they found 1,490 bears, or nearly three bears per square mile.
Campbell disputed those data, contending only 1,600 bears roam the state.
The state held its first bear hunt in 33 years in December 2003, with Campbell's support. Last year, the state also launched birth control tests on captive bears at Six Flags Wild Safari in Jackson Township.
Bear policy considers all options
Unreleased rules list birth control, hunting
Thursday, March 24, 2005
BY BRIAN T. MURRAY
Star-Ledger Staff
Both hunting and birth control will be considered potential tools for controlling the state's black bear population under a "comprehensive management strategy" issued yesterday by state wildlife officials in response to a state Supreme Court order.
The 21-page policy, which was not publicly released, is a result of a legal battle that erupted when Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bradley Campbell stymied a six-day bear hunt proposed last year by the state Fish and Game Council.
"It's a policy, not a plan, and yes, it includes hunting and some form of immuno-contraception or sterilization. It also lists relocation -- all the options available to the state for management of New Jersey bears," said council chairman Scott Ellis.
The Supreme Court stopped last year's hunt four days before it was to start, ruling Dec. 2 that it had no way of knowing if the council was justified in launching a hunt to control the bear population. The court said a comprehensive bear policy was needed.
The court also ruled that the council shares responsibility for wildlife management with the DEP commissioner.
Both the DEP and the council declined to make the policy document public, contending Campbell must first review it. Campbell has said public hearings will be held on the policy, with the possibility of modifications being made before it is approved.
Animal rights advocates have opposed controlling bears through hunting. Wildlife officials contend it remains the only effective tool.
Under the Supreme Court ruling, if Campbell signs off on the management policy, the council would be free to reinitiate a hunt. A bear hunt is included in the council's 2005 Game Code, but it will not proceed unless the management plan is finalized this year, said Ellis.
In 2003, state wildlife biologists estimated that 3,200 bears roamed 1,580 square miles in the northwestern corner of the state. Last year biologists released data only for an intensely studied 580-square-mile section, where they found 1,490 bears, or nearly three bears per square mile.
Campbell disputed those data, contending only 1,600 bears roam the state.
The state held its first bear hunt in 33 years in December 2003, with Campbell's support. Last year, the state also launched birth control tests on captive bears at Six Flags Wild Safari in Jackson Township.