One of America’s iconic animals has made a significant comeback since they were viewed as endangered in the early 70’s. 
The black bear population in this country has continued to grow since then, and has regained its numbers from the east coast to the west. Their population numbers have risen to such an extent that states that have large black bear populations are beginning to consider legal hunts to cull their growing presence. New Jersey for the last few years has allowed an annual bear hunt in that state. The black bear is a highly adaptive intelligent animal. The black bear is extending its habitats into areas that come directly into contact with humans. It no longer is found in our national park areas, but has extended its range into suburban and small towns. Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Tennessee are contemplating a hunting season on the black bear. Tennessee has reported that their black bear population has increased from a few hundred to over 5,000 in the last thirty years. States are trying to gauge just how tolerant the public will be to a growing bear population in their backyards. Public perception on the bear is to protect it more than any other animal, but up to a point. Black bear’s though smaller than their grizzly cousins can still cause a fatal attack, and have to be given a wide berth when contact is made. It is a difficult choice to make, and one that must be made to ensure the bear’s survival and the safety of the public.
Photo Credit: John Vlahakis
I wish someone had an answer to this issue. I hate to see hunting of bears but the Black bear population has skyrocketd while at the same time their food supply and habitat has diminished. Most of the Black Bears in the Smoky Mountains National Park are severely underweight while traditional food sources like the chesnut tree have disappeared. Bears have become more aggressive toward hikers and backpackers and frequently raid garbage cans in surrounding towns. Maybe we need to reintroduce predators like the mountain lion and wolf to these areas but it is a difficult problem. Maybe relocation for areas of high density like North Carolina and Tennessee to areas of less density like Florida and Alabama. I don’t think anyone has an answer.