TRENTON, N.J. (1010 WINS) — Bear hunting was supposed to return to New Jersey Monday but it is now on hold indefinitely after opponents won an emergency stay Wednesday while the issue is argued in court.
Three animal rights groups, the Animal Protection League of New Jersey, the Humane Society of the United States and Friends of the Animals, filed the appeal in court after Gov. Phil Murphy approved the December hunt following a two-year cancellation.
Murphy had previously promised to end the hunt and did so in 2020, but abruptly changed his mind two weeks ago. The hunt was quickly organized and set to begin on Monday lasting six days.
The judge gave the opposing groups until Friday at 4 p.m. to submit a legal brief. The Division of Fish and Wildlife have until 4 p.m. Monday to respond.
Bear hunting in New Jersey was reinstated in 2003, but since then has been a contentious issue, especially amongst politicians.
Opponents argue that the state does not have an accurate bear population estimate which could be doing “irreparable harm” to a protected species. They also say that the “emergency” rule, adopted on Nov. 15, is questionable as it did not give citizens the chance to comment, violating due process.
Though New Jersey has not had a bear hunt since 2020, the Division of Fish and Wildlife said that the increase in bear complaints was the main driver behind the emergency authorization of the hunt.
Despite approving the controversial practice, Murphy has generally been opposed to it, preferring non-lethal ways of dealing with bears like more public education and better trash can maintenance for those who reside in bear country.
Related
Related
Related
