[genefromjersey]

By coincidence, there were two letters to the editor today in our local ( Gannett ) newspaper ... AND a page 2 story from Sussex County, NJ ( a somewhat mountainous, about 20 % unspoiled northern section of the state ) about a black bear walking up to, and "cuffing" a two year old boy, as his mother watched in horror.

The boy was scared , but unhurt.The writer opined the bear had merely been "curious", as it had not used its claws - and seemed a little dismayed that the (thuggish,jack-booted ?) police had subsequently shot and killed the 150lb animal.

What the writer did NOT know about black bears could probably fill the shelves of a fair-to-middling library - for example : With or without the use of claws,a bear could just about tear the head off a grown man with one determined paw swipe; that black bears are generally quite hungry this time of year; that black bears are almost totally unpredictable, etc., etc.

So: to all you NJ hunters ( if there are any of you left ! ): HAPPY BEAR HUNTING !!

[AppyPappy]

My wife spotted one in our neighborhood this past winter. A small black bear headed to the creek.

[COBOL2Java]

I hear New Jersey supports the right to keep and arm bears...