Full Breakdown
New York Achieves Record Black Bear Harvest in 2025-26 Season
3/24/2026, 5:44:29 PM
Record Harvest Numbers
During the 2025-26 hunting season, New York State hunters harvested an estimated 1,759 black bears, marking one of the highest totals in the state's history. This figure represents an 18% increase over the 10-year average and a 4% rise compared to the previous year, 2024. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reported that this harvest is second only to the 2003 season. The Southern Zone accounted for approximately 1,202 bears, setting a new record, while the Northern Zone saw a harvest of 557 bears, slightly lower than in 2024 but still above the decade average.
Expansion of Bear Population
The significant increase in bear harvests reflects a long-term expansion of the black bear population across New York. Historically, black bears were confined to remote mountainous regions, such as the Adirondacks and Catskills, but over the past 70 years, their range has extended to most areas of the state, excluding Long Island and New York City. The DEC has documented this growth, noting that the Southern Zone has led bear harvests for the past two decades, surpassing the Northern Zone for the first time in 1998.
Key Statistics from the 2025 Season
The DEC provided several notable statistics from the 2025 bear season:
- 74: The number of Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) reporting bear harvests out of 88 open to bear hunting.
- 562 pounds: The dressed weight of the heaviest bear harvested, taken in Olive, Ulster County.
- 668: The number of harvested bears from which DEC received pre-molar teeth for age determination.
- 26 years: The age of the oldest bear harvested in 2024, recorded in Mooers, Clinton County.
- 21: The density of bears harvested per 100 square miles in WMU 3C, the highest for the season.
Official Statements
Amanda Lefton, Commissioner of the New York State DEC, stated, “The recovery and growth of New York’s bear population is testament to DEC’s vigilant wildlife management efforts. New York’s big game management plans help maintain populations at levels that are acceptable for local communities and provide sustainable hunting opportunities.” This sentiment underscores the DEC's commitment to balancing wildlife management with hunting interests.
Criticism & Opposition
While the record harvest is celebrated by many in the hunting community, some wildlife advocates express concern over the implications of increased hunting pressure on bear populations. Critics argue that while management efforts have led to population recovery, the sustainability of such high harvest numbers should be continuously evaluated to ensure long-term ecological balance.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are no significant conflicting reports regarding the total number of bears harvested; however, the slight decrease in the Northern Zone's harvest compared to 2024 raises questions about regional population dynamics and hunting practices. Further analysis may be needed to understand these trends fully.
What's Next
The DEC plans to send commemorative patches and letters confirming the age of bears to hunters who reported their harvests and submitted teeth for analysis. The 2025 Bear Harvest Summary report will provide detailed tables, figures, and maps of the bear harvest across the state, contributing to ongoing wildlife management strategies.
