Northwest New Jersey has the highest concentration of black bears within their range and state officials are doing something about it.

Wildlife officials considered the hunt a success, with the tally of 298 bears taken — very close to top range of 320 animals they hoped to harvest on this, the first bear hunt in the state in over 20 years.

With animal lovers protesting the decision to open hunting season on bears, more than 3,500 people purchased bear hunting permits, even though the cap was just 320. Officials scheduled a week for the hunt, but by Sunday the high number of bears killed surprised hunting officials.

Florida wildlife officials closed two regions after the first day of bear hunting after the areas met the limit on the number of bears allowed to be killed during the first statewide hunt in more than 20 years.

Hunters for the first time in more than 20 years will trudge through Florida woods to legally kill black bears.

Animal protection and environmental groups are seeking an injunction to stop a bear hunt set to begin Oct. 24.

Like your typical great-grandmother, Karen Kuch enjoys doing crossword puzzles, reading books and baking. Oh, and the occasional black bear hunt!

The vast majority of bears are taken during the portion of the hunt where it is legal to shoot bears that have been baited. This segment of the hunt ends on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Northern New England's bear hunters might have a more difficult time bagging a bruin this year due to an abundance of natural food.

Florida wildlife officials have approved the killing of 320 black bears next month during the state's first bear hunting season in more than 20 years.