BLACK BEAR MANAGEMENT SUMMARY DOCUMENT
DEP is seeking input into the management of black bears in the State of New Jersey, including non-lethal methods of management, such as education, garbage management, research and training, and the DEP's view that these non-lethal means should be undertaken and the effectiveness of implementing such methods analyzed, prior to conducting another bear hunt. DEP has been working with the New Jersey Fish and Game Council to develop a new Comprehensive Black Bear Management Plan consistent with DEP's policy on black bear management.
Education of the public and proper control of human-derived food, as well as research and training, may be considered integral parts of a comprehensive management strategy. To that end, DEP has hired a full-time staff person devoted to bear education; funded additional educational materials, purchased public service announcements and restored funds to cover the cost of bear education.
DEP has ongoing efforts to conduct research into the biology and behavior of black bears. Additional staff has been added to:
1. continue trapping and tagging studies and analyze New Jersey's database on the black bear population;
2. continue use of statistical analysis to obtain the most accurate population estimates;
3. continue to develop the simulation model of the black bear population in the Kittatinny and Bearfort regions to evaluate the effects of recruitment and mortality factors.
DEP is able to undertake these efforts because in FY 08, the General Treasury restored funds for continued bear research and management efforts.
With respect to ensuring that bears are not attracted to garbage in residential areas, communities in "bear country" need to work with waste management companies to ensure that bear-proof garbage cans are made available and are actually used. Improperly contained garbage is attractive to bears, and makes them more frequent visitors to easily attainable food.
Aversive conditioning also may be part of a comprehensive management strategy. DEP has implemented some aversive conditioning techniques as part of an effort to determine their effectiveness and recognizes that wildlife professionals in other states continue to investigate the effectiveness of this non-lethal method to discourage unwanted behaviors in nuisance bears. Thus, DEP believes that more work needs to be done on aversive conditioning.
Training of local officers on bear response techniques also is an important part of a comprehensive bear management strategy. It is of utmost importance to have local officers available to respond quickly, especially to Category I bear incidents, in order to protect public health and safety.
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