Posted on 08/15/2005 5:40:16 AM PDT by OESY
New Jerseyites take pride in being the "Garden State," but even nature lovers have their limits. How far those limits will be tested now rests with a state government that is once again deciding how to deal (or not) with its out-of-control bear problem.
So far, it doesn't look good. New Jersey's black bear population has rocketed to some 3,400, and bears have been spotted in every one of the state's 21 counties. In the first half of this year alone, the state logged 677 damage and nuisance complaints, up from 424 in the same period last year. Bears have attacked dogs, swatted toddlers, and broken into houses.
Full marks go to the state's Fish & Game Council, which is trying valiantly to tackle the problem. Last week it voted unanimously to hold a bear hunt in December, noting that hunts are the most effective way to control population. At least 27 bear-populated states currently permit hunting, and New Jersey itself had a successful hunt in 2003.
Standing in the way of the hunt is state environmental commissioner Bradley Campbell, who seems more interested in pleasing animal rights groups than in the well-being of his state's citizens. After the Fish & Game Council approved a hunt last year, Mr. Campbell stepped in to block it, arguing instead for an expensive contraception program and a "public awareness" campaign. Perhaps he'll consider passing out bear condoms, too.
As for the latest hunt plan, Mr. Campbell is withholding judgment until the Council presents him with an overall "management plan." Adopting a range of tools is fine, so long as Mr. Campbell doesn't outlaw the most effective one. New Jersey residents shouldn't have to just grin and bear it.
(Excerpt) Read more at online.wsj.com ...
Eastern environuts are OK with shutting down parts of the West because of endangered cave spiders, minnows, and toads who are endangered species.
I think New Jersey bears are also an endangered species. How do we get them on the list?
Surely you aren't suggesting that a large part of suburban New Jersey property owners be subjected to the Nature Nazi rule of the Department of the Inferior's National Park Service and the US Fish & Wild Life service?
Surely you can't think that what's sauce for the goose could ever be sauce for the gander?
;-)
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