Activists will appeal court’s decision to permit N.J. bear hunt

The New Jersey appeals court has ruled the state’s black bear hunt can begin as planned next week. A panel ruled today to reject a challenge from animal rights groups who say the state’s bear management policy is flawed.

The Associated Press reports activists plan to file an appeal with the state Supreme Court.

Nearly 600 bears were killed in last year’s hunt — the first in five years and a practice the state says helps keep the bear population in check.