Cathy McCartney suggests in her letter (Dec. 5) that recent wildfires in northern New Jersey were somehow detrimental to our vibrant black bear population.
She further hopes that Governor Murphy will “stop the bear hunt.” This plea is a very emotional but biologically incorrect stance commonly taken by too many anti-hunters.
As a retired biologist/forester, I can assure Ms. McCartney that her theory is exactly backward. Fire is a natural part of the ecosystem in this area. In fact, fire enhances black bear habitat.
Fires in the Highlands burn in a patchy mosaic pattern and at various intensities. The result is that many of the mast and berry species of vegetation that bears naturally feed and thrive on are benefited. Bears in turn will benefit.
So rather than the well-meaning but completely misguided theory advanced by Ms. Cartney, the opposite is true. Black bears in the area will have increased natural food sources come spring. The bears will not have to rely as much on trash and garbage.
A better understanding of natural systems always makes for more cogent discussions of topics such as the bear hunt.
Pete Buist
Hamburg