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Story summary
- New York State hunters recorded a historic black bear harvest of 1,759 bears during the 2025-26 season, the second-highest total in state history.
- This total reflects an 18% increase over the 10-year average and a 4% rise from 2024.
- The Southern Zone led with about 1,202 bears, while the Northern Zone reported 557 bears, slightly below 2024 but still above average.
- The growth of bear populations over the past 70 years has expanded hunting opportunities, with 74 of 88 Wildlife Management Units reporting harvests.
- The heaviest bear, weighing 562 pounds, was harvested in Ulster County.