Paw-sitively Protesting
Photo Credit: Yethmie Goonatilleke
BEAR Group, a grassroots activist organization promoting bear protection, holds a protest against the current New Jersey Bear Hunt. Though veteran BEAR Group members attended, several new members took part in advocating against the bear hunt on Dec. 14. As hunters killed hundreds of bears, these protesters believe that bears deserve the right to live.
January 14, 2020
BEAR Group, a grassroots activist organization promoting bear protection, holds a protest against the current New Jersey Bear Hunt. Though veteran BEAR Group members attended, several new members took part in advocating against the bear hunt on Dec. 14. As hunters killed hundreds of bears, these protesters believe that bears deserve the right to live.
Holding signs made by her, Gabbi Krachenfels, a freshman, supports the bear hunt protest. Since a young age, Gabbi has been passionate about the safety of animals and has greatly appreciated them. For almost three years, she has been a vegetarian. She often encourages her family members and friends to educate themselves on animal rights and safety.
Afterwards of the hunt, a hunter drops off this deceased bear at Whitingham Fish and Wildlife Management Area. According to patch.com, about 100 bears were killed on the first day of the New Jersey Bear Hunt. This bear was one of many killed during the hunt.
During the protest, four police officers patrol the area and sometimes, interact with the protesters. Avid protesters try to explain to this pictured police officer why the bear hunt should end. This protester’s sign reads “I hear bears don’t shoot back.”
Whitingham FIsh and Wildlife Management Area is a management area in Sussex County where the bear hunt protest takes place. Much of the bear hunting takes place in Sussex County, a rural area in New Jersey. Hunted bears are transported to Whitingham Fish and Wildlife Management Area, which is an area where hunting is allowed.
In some cases, bear hunters believe that hunting is a sport. Evident by this sign, protesters don’t believe so. Protesters believe that these bears deserve to live, even though they might not have the same capabilities as humans.
Plastered onto this poster, Phil Murphy is seen as hunting a bear. Murphy is the governor of New Jersey, and many protesters have been irate with him. Murphy has not halted the hunt despite the complaints and protests of many to sign an executive order to stop the bear hunt.
BEAR Group supplies signs for protesters who may not have a sign already. Previous to this protest, BEAR Group members have been fighting for bears in other protests. They continuously urge Phil Murphy and hunters to eliminate the bear hunt.
