Bear expert Edward A. Tavss has found that bear hunting has had no effect in reducing complaints or conflicts between humans and New Jersey’s black bear population. What has proven to reduce human/bear interactions, however, are several nonviolent programs that have been implemented. So why, under the Christie administration, has the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJDFW) voted to extend the state's annual bear hunt by one week with an additional hunt in October?

I am asking you to join me and stop the purposeless slaughter of more black bears in New Jersey. Ask The Christie administration and the NJDFW to roll back their extended hunting season and find nonviolent solutions to controlling human/bear conflicts in the state.

Bears are timid animals who often act like prey. Even bears who are used to seeing people can be easily scared off with hoses, umbrellas, broom sticks, and loud noises, and certainly with bear spray. They typically eat a primarily vegetarian diet that consists of berries, fruit, and seed, and pose very little threat to New Jersey’s human population. In fact, as this petition suggests, we pose a much greater threat to them.

Black bear hunting has failed to control their population in New Jersey over the last five years. The science of population control encourages humane methods, such as controlling their access to our garbage and strictly enforcing a “don’t feed the bears” policy.

Under Governor Christie, it seems as if Commissioner Bob Martin of the Department of Environmental Protection simply does the bidding of the state hunting agency and the Division of Fish and Wildlife. They must listen to science and give the nonviolent solution a chance to control the black bear population, especially since hunting has failed.

Please urge these officeholders to veto this extended bear hunting season and encourage humane population control methods for one of New Jersey's most unique and awe-inspiring animals.