[nmh]

This explains it:

"News of the weekend attack spread quickly throughout Warren and Sussex counties, and the DEP's refusal to release details until last night has led to allegations by the Federation of New Jersey Sportsmen's Clubs that DEP Commissioner Bradley Campbell has been suppressing information on clashes between bears and humans."

"Campbell had tried to thwart a bear hunt for next month that was authorized by the independent state Fish and Game Council. However, an appeals court ruled Tuesday that Campbell does not have the authority to block the hunt. Campbell is pursuing another legal battle to close state lands to the six-day bruin hunt, scheduled to begin Dec. 6."

[d-back]

Bingo, NMH! Bradley Campbell, the head of DEP, is against the bear hunt because he (and former Governor McGreevey, of "I am a Gay American" fame) got pressure from the PETA and HSUS animal "rights" morons after last year's hunt. So he tried to stymie this year's hunt, even though it was duly approved by the Fish & Wildlife Council.

Fortunately, about a week ago, a New Jersey Appellate Division panel ruled against Campbell and in favor of the hunt.