This past year has seen record-breaking numbers for hunters. Wisconsin saw a huge increase in Spring turkeys taken. Pennsylvania saw record-breaking deer harvested.
Not to be outdone, North Carolina adds itself to the list. According to the North Carolina WRC, 2020 saw an 8% increase of bears taken. That equals 3,748 black bears.
As a result of COVID, more and more hunters went to the woods, mountains, and fields. The NCWRC also reported that they gave out a record number of bear permits. At just over 88,000 permits, a lot of hunters hit the hills.
North Carolina manages its bear populations in three units. The Coastal, the Piedmont, and the Mountain region. Harvest rates have stayed steady over the last several seasons. Consequently, the Coastal region tends to have 60% of the bears harvested.
Colleen Olfenbuttel of the NCWRC says she agrees that this high number is a result of COVID.
“The increase in harvest likely reflects the ‘COVID effect’ that several states, including North Carolina, have experienced. During 2020, many North Carolinians reconnected with the outdoors, including participating in regulated hunting.” – Colleen Olfenbuttel of the NCWRC
The state seems to be the perfect storm for black bears to grow rapidly. However not just the population. For instance, the bears themselves grow bigger. With mild winters and long growing seasons, food is plentiful. Some claim it is not uncommon to see 800-pound bears.
“The Commission works continuously to assure bear hunting seasons remain sustainable so that we can continue to maintain our successfully restored bear population. Based on our most current data, we are meeting population objectives for the Coastal BMU, which is to stabilize population growth.” – Colleen Olfenbuttel of the NCWRC
