The bears are certainly continuing to push southward and eastward. The irony in the letters I see in the editorial section of the newspaper is that they are primarily written by bleeding heart liberals in left-leaning towns where the bears aren't a threat.
One of my favorites was a guy from Asbury Park informing readers that supporters of the hunt are blowing things out of proportion. Easy to say when you're living down the shore and the problem is of extremely high impact in Warren, Sussex, Hunterdon, and Morris counties. Check it out next time you're reading letters to the editor, it's a complete hoot...
You'll very rarely see a letter from a resident of Sparta, Newton, Rockaway, or similar nearby town saying, "Hey, leave the fuzzy bears alone. There's hardly any of 'em, and the few that visit are cute little rascals that my kids love to feed crackers and pet in the backyard!"
~ Blue Jays ~
I think when Mommas poodle was gulped down in two bites she might think about what a bear can do to her kid on the way to school.
Just read in The Star Ledger this morning that minors will be prohibited from this hunt for their safety, in consideration of protestors that may be present.
The authorities are saying this is For The ChildrenTM and is to protect them from a potentially volatile situation. Needless to say, the anti-hunting crowd is joyful regarding this update. From a long-term perspective, they see it as a way to reduce the number of hunters in the future.
~ Blue Jays ~