TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy raised more than a few eyebrows this week after telling a group of supporters that his friend wakes up every morning and ‘eats the a–‘ out of a bear.
Wait, what?
‘We wake up every day trying to eat the ass out of a bear. but it’s what we’re doing,” the governor said during a speech Wednesday at the NJ Alliance for Action Transportation Conference.
No, he really said that. It was even caught on video.
It’s not the first time the governor has been in the news for his position on bears. After taking office, he enacted a ban on black bears. After populations grew and bears started to become a public nuisance, he allowed the hunt to continue.
New Jersey’s Controversial Bear Hunt: Governor Phil Murphy’s Stance and Public Reaction
Governor Phil Murphy’s position on New Jersey’s bear hunt has sparked debates and garnered national attention. Since taking office, Murphy has made significant changes to the state’s policies regarding black bear management, namely suspending the annual public bear hunt on state lands. Let’s delve into the details, the arguments for and against the hunt, and what this means for New Jersey’s residents and wildlife.
Black bear populations have been a point of concern in New Jersey for decades. Proponents of hunting argue that it is a necessary tool for managing the bear population and mitigating human-bear interactions. However, opponents assert that hunting is an inhumane and ineffective approach to wildlife management.
Governor Phil Murphy campaigned on the promise to end the bear hunt and has taken steps to uphold that commitment. In 2018, Murphy issued an executive order that effectively banned bear hunting on state lands, which comprise about 40% of the hunting grounds previously available. The ban was met with mixed reactions from the public, conservationists, and hunters.
Arguments For and Against
For the Hunt
- Population Control: Advocates for hunting argue that it helps to control the bear population, which, in turn, reduces the number of dangerous interactions between bears and humans.
- Economic Benefits: The licensing and permits generate revenue for the state, which can be used for conservation efforts.
Against the Hunt
- Humane Alternatives: Critics argue that non-lethal methods, such as relocation or sterilization, can be just as effective for controlling the bear population.
- Ethical Concerns: Many find the killing of bears for sport to be morally objectionable.
Murphy’s stance has led to polarized opinions among New Jersey residents. Some applaud the governor for taking what they believe to be a more humane approach to wildlife management. Others feel that the ban puts public safety at risk and undermines the livelihood of hunters.