This should cost the tax payers some $$$$. When will people realize hunting is the best way to control game populations while raising fund for all wildlife. Check this out!

DEP and U.S. Humane Society Sign Agreement to Research Use of Immunocontraceptives on Black Bears

New Panel Examines State' s Bear Population Estimates

(03/22) TRENTON - Today, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell announced that New Jersey will work in partnership with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to study the use of PZP, an immunocontraceptive, as a non-lethal approach to manage the state' s black bear population.
" In addition to traditional wildlife management measures, non-lethal methods need to be developed and considered as potential tools to manage New Jersey' s wildlife populations," said DEP Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell. " The rebounded black bear population in New Jersey remains a true success story. Our responsibility now is to ensure adequate habitat for black bears and safe, livable communities in and around that shared domain."

The pilot project will start with a study on black bears in captivity prior to treating animals in the wild. As part of its Memorandum of Agreement with the DEP, the HSUS will provide and administer the PZP and state wildlife biologists will participate in the examination and monitoring of the bears. If the PZP shows significant evidence that it is safe and effective in captive bears, the HSUS will acquire necessary FDA approval before proceeding, in partnership with the DEP, with tests on the state' s wild black bear population.

In addition to the immunocontraceptive study, a new independent black bear panel is conducting a month-long review of New Jersey' s bear population estimates. The panel may also examine management tools and potential population control measures to recommend to the state based upon their population review.

" In our series of public meetings on the bear population, numerous citizens raised concern about the adequacy and soundness of our population estimates," Commissioner Campbell added. " This independent review panel will ensure that we have thoughtful deliberation of both the data and any management options that are considered."

Members of the independent bear panel include: Louis Berchielli, biologist, New York Department of Environmental Conservation; Dante DiPirro, Counselor and Legal Policy Advisor to the Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; George Howard, New Jersey Fish and Game Council; Dr. Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute - Minnesota; Dr. Allen Rutberg, biologist, Tufts University; Harry Spiker, Biologist, Maryland Department of Natural Resources; Lynda Smith, Bear Citizen Group.

Three, independent statistical experts, Dr. Michael Conroy of the University of Georgia, Dr. Gary White of Colorado State University and Dr. Edwin Green of Rutgers University, are also assisting the black bear panel in their review of DEP research and population data.

In addition, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection' s Division of Fish and Wildlife and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation will host the 17th Eastern Black Bear Workshop from March 2-5 at the Wyndham Gardens Hotel and Conference Center in Mount Olive, Morris County. The semi-annual workshop brings together scientific researchers and managers from the state, federal, provincial and university communities who are responsible for black bear management. This year' s workshop is entitled " Black Bears in the Backyard." Information about the workshop can be found at www.njfishandwildlife.com.

Daytime events are not open to the general public. However, the public is encouraged to attend and participate in evening educational programs.

Just the idea of wild animals and birth control makes me laugh [&:]

It would probably lbe cheaper to give them condoms..

Where the hell do these people get their brains from. Lets take money out of our pockets to control wildlife! You know, I have to agree with PA hunter...it does make me laugh. I read an article in a magazine that said people can bang garbage can lids together to chase them away. This is just a ridiculous thing to do. Of course these antis are going to vote no hunting....untill one of their family members or friends gets attacked. Eventually they' ll wake up a little and realize that hunting is the best thing that could be done!

It' s the anti' s, a while back a USFW services own biologists said that contraception is at best ineffective on a free ranging herd. I guess it goes back to there always someone who knows your job better than you.

IMO I would rather any state put the money into youth hunting programs. It' s a same that our money is spent fruitlessly because of squeeky wheeles that would rather spend their time fighting a life style, than enjoying one of thier own.

This is believeable. Rutgers had a study out about 3 yrs ago that said the same thing that Gorgia said. I guess the state will go to another College now.
Rutger' s also had a study on the " pill for Deers" , The state did not believe them on that one, so they went to Ohio State which found the same thing that Rutger' s found. It didn' t work. Now the state whats the Uni. of Michiagn to do a study.( Don' t know if the State did sign up with Michigan?)
But, the best thing about all this is OUR auto isn. is GOING UP!