Black Bear Management

Black Bear Management

Black bears are not true hibernators and may be active throughout the year. Prevent bear encounters by securing garbage and other attractants. Learn More >

To report black bear damage and nuisance behavior, call the DEP’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline: 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337)

Bear Hunting Season Information

View bear hunt updates about the upcoming season.

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Black Bear Harvest Data

View harvest data dating back to 2011.

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Black Bear Research

NJDEP’s Fish and Wildlife is responsible for protecting and managing New Jersey’s wildlife. In fulfillment of this responsibility, the agency is studying and managing a growing black bear resource while minimizing interactions with people.

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Black Bear Management Overview

Fish and Wildlife’s overall integrated bear management strategy includes public education, black bear research and monitoring, trapping and aversive conditioning, and euthanizing bears that pose a public safety threat. Nonlethal bear management strategies are used to reduce the number of human interactions with bears.

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Bear Resources

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Department of Environmental Protection
P. O. Box 420
Trenton, NJ 08625
609-777-3373
Last Update: October 20th, 2025