New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection keeps track of black bear incidents every month. The agency's latest report covers January 1st through April 21st 2024. The total number of black bear incidents across the state was 157. Which was about the same as last year. However, the report also showed black bear encounters in Sussex County are on the rise. More than half of all incidents involving black bears happened in Sussex County. In spite of the recent black bear hunt. There were 63 Sussex County incidents reported in March and April alone. The DEP says Sussex County is considered "a very suitable black bear habitat." The mild winter has also been a contributing factor. Be careful out there!
Source: New Jersey Herald
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