The New Jersey Fish and Game Council has approved an "emergency" bear hunt, citing public safety and saying the current black bear population is about double what it was back in 2018.

The emergency order was voted on last night, reestablishing a black bear hunt at least for next month.

The order needs the governor’s approval. Gov. Phil Murphy has pushed to stop bear hunting in New Jersey.

According to Tuesday’s presentation from the Fish and Game Council, "Without a regulated hunt, the black bear population will continue to increase. The current population estimate is at 3,158 bears in New Jersey. It is projected that the bear population will approach or exceed 4,000 bears in 2021."