A ruling in state superior court ruled today says up to 25 people can demonstrate at the Franklin bear check station in Sussex County, along with other locations Watch video
Lou Vellucci of Mahwah, right, joins other anti-bear hunt protesters at the site of the state Department of Environmental Protection weigh station in Franklin today.TRENTON — Animal activists opposed to New Jersey's black bear will be allowed to protest at certain bear check stations during the six-day hunt.
A ruling in state superior court ruled today says up to 25 people can demonstrate at the Franklin bear check station in Sussex County between noon and 4 p.m. each day.
A greater number will be allowed to demonstrate at two other weigh stations.
Critics of the hunt had been pushing for the Franklin station permit as it is a high-visibility site.
Environmental Protection Department officials felt it was too a dangerous a spot for a large gathering.
Officials say several dozen black bears have been killed as of this afternoon.
Wildlife officials say the hunt is needed to reduce a bear population now estimated at about 3,400.
Related coverage:
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• N.J. bear hunt to start this morning
• Anti-N.J. bear hunt protesters plan demonstration in Franklin Borough
• N.J. judge rejects attempt by bear hunt opponents to expand protests