Nate's Corner - THE ABOMINABLE NEW JERSEY BEAR WAR

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THE ABOMINABLE NEW JERSEY BEAR WAR
Nate Dickinson

An article in the March 16, 2003 issue of the Albany, New York Times Union entitled "Bear season may return in New Jersey," by Rob Streeter, effectively relates the controversy that surrounds a proposal to reinstate a bear season in the northeastern portion of that State. To those aware of the critical problems that have persisted, the reaction would likely be, "it is about time."

Streeter recounts the exploits of those "unwelcome house guests" who destroy grills, tear apart cars to get at the groceries. and have not too friendly encounters with the human natives. Those who have visited that rugged part of the Garden State, undoubtedly, have to be amazed upon viewing the well-worn trails that proceed past the stately homes, some of which are within 20 miles of New York City.

The problems that exist, whether deer or bear are involved ,are to similar those that occur anytime sport hunting is not permitted. They begin on the prime, natural ranges, with rapid buildups in populations, accompanied by highly undesirable behavioral changes. Wildlife must be kept wild and hunting offers the only sensible solution. Incidentally, most species of wildlife adapt very well to man's altering of the landscape; often too well.

According to this article the New Jersey Fish and Game Division estimates that the state's bear population has increased from 100 in the 1980's to a present level of 2,000. Last year 1,412 damage complaints were handled. Obviously a very high number for a population that size. And, officials had to kill 35 animals that were deemed dangerous during 2002. Streeter stated that the single-most significant factor in the move to implement a hunting season was the recent death of a child that had been mauled by a black bear in the adjacent southern Catskills of New York. Although attacks on human are rare, this incident gets people to thinking when this might happen again, with bears losing their fear and roaming around high density developments.

New Jersey's state fish and game council, by a vote of 10 to 1, ruled to authorize a six day season during the month of December. Prospective hunters would apply for a total of 10,000 permits. Hunting would be limited to Morris and Sussex Counties. This certainly would be a good start, but probably parts of Passaic County, home of the appropriately-named Bearfort Mountain, and other adjoining counties also exhibit a crying need. An earlier hunt had been authorized, but it was called off at the last minute because of protests of animal rights activists. Why is such an obnoxious minority allowed to exert so much influence? The responsible authorities must stand tall, and exercise one of their main and most legitimate roles, that of protecting its citizens and guaranteeing their security on properties and elsewhere.

Chances are that having to deal with a council forced the wildlife professionals to make some concessions. Better results probably would be realized if they held the bear hunt in conjunction with the regular deer season. In New York and some other states the bulk of the bear are harvested incidental to pursuing deer. Also there are questions regarding the timing of the season. Streeter stated that unlike New York most of the bears are still active in December and many do not hibernate at all. The latter is somewhat suspect, but if New Jersey wildlife professionals are as responsible and conscientious as they traditionally have been, they would have compared notes with the neighbor state Pennsylvania and more southerly states such as Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.

One council member suggested that they charge no fee to avoid the impression that the sole purpose is to raise money. For some reason or other this issue often seems to come up. A nominal fee is desirable to insure that only serious hunters apply, increasing the chances of achieving the desired results.

Apparently approval by the fish and game council was only the first of the hurdles. A public comment period, is to be followed by one of those spleen-venting open hearings. This is nonsense, and is almost like a filibuster that is sure to guaranty defeat. Technical decisions should be made by professionals. Following this hoop jumping, a game law amendment must make it through the State Legislature and, if it is passed, is subject to veto by the Governor. Obviously the law should have been amended years ago to enable corrective measures to be taken when emergencies arise.

Proponents expect an uphill battle since procedures stack things against them. Coupled with this is the campaign that has been mounted by the ultra-liberal, well-heeled, special interest animal rights and environmental organizations. Somehow or other these people have gained unwarranted power in political circles. Incidentally, they are probably the same environmentalists that are pursuing the goals of the Wildlands Project, a radical undertaking that calls for setting aside vast acreages in their so-called cores, buffers, and corridors. The Project displays a disdain for humans and their industry and has as a goal the rewilding of 50 percent of the North American continent. Many individual environmental organizations have bought into the corridor scheme claiming that it is necessary because of man's fragmenting of the landscape, and thus threatening the security of what they refer to as charismatic megafauna, such as the black bear. They, however, do not bother to talk to the bears, who make it very clear that they certainly are secure; actually too much so.

There are many examples which show that the black bear can be very secure in relatively small areas. About 35 miles to the north of the New Jersey bear battleground lies the Catskill Peaks of New York. Bears and humans have successfully coexisted for years. Bear populations have remained quite stable despite a very significant annual hunting season harvest, and pressure by hunters has tended to keep them wild with a minimum of conflicts with human residents.

There are a lot of lessons to be learned from these bear wars. Fish and wildlife departments must be granted the authority for the proper management of the wildlife resources and the public must demand that they meet their responsibilities. The State of New York is very fortunate in having the Environmental Conservation Law which states that it will be the policy of the Department to foster, promote, create, and maintain conditions under which man and nature can thrive in harmony. It entrusts the Department with the efficient management of wildlife resources and directs it to carry out programs that will maintain desirable species in ecological balance. And, regard must be shown for the compatibility of production and harvesting with other necessary or desirable land uses.

The assignments in New York are very clear. All that is needed to achieve goals is discipline on the part of the organization and employees. Unfortunately this where things have broken down, partly because of a tendency to ignore the mandates of the law and partly due to the influence of the environmental movement. At one time New York set an example of how wildlife matters should be handled. Things have changed, but this is another story.

Hopefully, New Jersey will be sensible and put their faith in those wildlife professionals who are the only ones in a position to bring a resolution to the bear war. And, if the environmentalists, or any other entity, desire to counter the professionals they should be directed to go through their elected representatives in the legislature. That after all is the way things are supposed to be done in a republic.

Nate Dickinson

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