Open Season Starts on Black Bears in N.J.

[Clara T]

Open Season Starts on Black Bears in N.J.

Monday December 5, 2005 4:16 AM

By JOHN CURRAN
Associated Press Writer

VERNON, N.J. (AP) - New Jersey hunters take to the woods Monday for a controversial season aimed at thinning the state's growing population of black bears, whose hungry foraging has frightened suburban residents.

Up to 5,000 hunters were expected to take part in the six-day hunt - only the second in New Jersey in 35 years - which begins at sunrise Monday.

John Rogalo planned to set out with his 12-year-old son to hunt in Allamuchy Mountain State Park.

``It's a chance to harvest a bear,'' said Rogalo, 47, of Stanhope, a self-employed contractor. ``I just view hunting as a family tradition. I started at 10 with my Dad. Now my son will be with me.''

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``This hunt is not rooted in public safety,'' said Janine Motta, a spokeswoman for the New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance, which sued to stop the hunt. ``It's rooted in providing a hunting opportunity, getting trophies for walls and rugs for floors.''

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5457277,00.html