Complaints and sightings of black bears have almost doubled across New Jersey according to the Department of Environmental Protection. In 2019 there were 169 sightings across the state. In 2020 there were 349 sightings. In addition to almost double the number of sightings state officials reported bears are being seen in places they were rarely or never seen before. Gloucester and Middlesex Counties went from only 1 sighting to 23 and 16 respectively. A spokesperson for the N.J. D.E.P. says the increased sightings could in part have something to do with more people working from home during the pandemic lockdown. Advocates for a return to a allowing a bear hunt say this is proof the bear population is "exploding."
Source: New Jersey Herald