ALBANY -- Bear hunting season opens next weekend in New York's northern zone.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation says New York has between 6,000 and 7,000 black bears in the wild, and the numbers have grown in recent years. With the growing population, bears have been expanding their range and can be found in a variety of habitats including developed areas. Earlier this summer, black bears were spotted in local towns such as Scriba and West Monroe in Oswego County, and Clay in Onondaga County.
The largest population is in the Adirondacks, where there are between 4,000 and 5,000 bears.
The early bear season runs from September 17 through October 14 in the Adirondacks. Hunters may use a bow, muzzleloader, handgun, shotgun, rifle or crossbow during this season.
Have you ever heard about or seen a bear in your neighborhood? Do you think bear overpopulation is becoming a problem? Leave a comment below and tell us what you think.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
