Hunters have harvested 93 bears on the second day of New Jersey's 2015 weeklong bear hunt.
The hunt began on Monday, when 216 bears were taken. Tuesday's harvest brings the two-day total to 309.
State officials recently expanded the areas where hunting is allowed during the six-day event. This year, it is permitted in all or portions of Hunterdon, Passaic, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren counties, and parts of Bergen and Mercer counties.
New Jersey wildlife officials say the annual hunt is an important part of their bear management plan and helps control the bear population. Activists and other critics contend it is inhumane and unnecessary.
New Jersey resumed bear hunting in 2003 after more than 30 years. Hunters harvested 272 bears during last year's hunt.
