ORIGINAL: Airborneguy
They are everywhere now, probably worsened by the fact that NJ is over crowded with them and they are moving north. I see their "scat" in the woods all the time. Never actually seen one though to tell you the truth, which is fine by me.
NJ is overcrowded for sure. The bears that FH is talking about have come north via the southern tier of NY. I don't think he's getting Catskills/Adirondack residents where he is. I've confirmed from DEC Biologists that ranges are expanding about 1.5 miles north from the southern tier each year. Rochester had more than its fair share of bear ventures recently too, and the Cuse area is no different.
FH, most of them are 1.5 yr old males that are looking for new territory after being displaced by mama. Every once in a while, your area will get a
"passer-by" similar to what happens in Rochester. The DEC will frequently relocate problem bears, and collar them. Often, the bear, like other animals, will find their way back. Sometimes they take detours, etc.