Controversial cull of animals ends Saturday
FREDON -- On the third day of the state's annual bear hunt, about a quarter as many animals were killed than on the opening day Monday but the day's tally was still higher than at an equivalent point in the 2014 hunt, according to preliminary figures released by the state Department of Environmental Protection Wednesday.
A total of 57 black bears were taken Wednesday, another day marked by warm weather favorable to hunters seeking the animals, who tend to be more active in milder conditions. Once again, Sussex County led all eight counties in number of animals taken, with 37, followed by Warren, with 13.
No bears have yet been reported killed in three counties where the firearms hunt has been permitted, Bergen, Somerset and Mercer, although preliminary figures earlier in the week indicated a few animals had been killed in Bergen.
The hunt, meant to curb populations of the animals primarily north of the I-78 corridor, ends Saturday.