DEP Officials: 100 bears killed on 2nd day of black bear hunt

Update: DEP officials now say 100 bears were killed on Day 2 of the hunt. Original story below: The second day of New Jersey's black bear hunt has come to an end and state officials say at least

News 12 Staff

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Oct 12, 2016, 3:35 AM

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Updated 3,017 days ago

Update: DEP officials now say 100 bears were killed on Day 2 of the hunt.

Original story below:

The second day of New Jersey's black bear hunt has come to an end and state officials say at least 75 bears were killed.

The state says its goal this year is to get 20 percent of the tagged black bear population. If that number exceeds 30 percent, the hunt will end.

Officials say 206 bears were killed on the first day of the hunt.

There were 510 bears killed during last year's hunt, which was the second-highest number since the hunt restarted in 2010.

State Department of Environmental Protection spokesman Robert Geist cited increased human and bear interaction as the reason for the extended hunt.

The first three days are archery style hunting only, while muzzle-loading guns will be allowed on the last three days. The firearm-only season for bear hunting will take place from Dec. 5-10.

Protesters have been gathering outside the weight stations to express their outrage over the hunt. A few were arrested Monday for making their way out of the allowed areas.

The Associated Press wire services contributed to this report.