NEW JERSEY - New Jersey is home to one of the densest black bear populations in the country, particularly in the rugged northwestern corner of the state. As of 2026, state estimates place the population at over 4,000 bears, a significant surge from the roughly 1,500 reported just a few years prior. While sightings are now documented in all 21 counties, the heart of bear country remains firmly established in the "Skylands" region.
According to the most recent 2025–2026 harvest data from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), here is where the population is most concentrated.
The Undisputed Leader: Sussex County
Sussex County is the "Bear Capital" of New Jersey. It consistently records the highest density and total population in the state. In the 2025 season, Sussex County accounted for 230 bears harvested—nearly half of the state's total harvest of 466.
Sussex’s landscape is a perfect storm for bear habitat, featuring high-elevation ridges, dense deciduous forests, and a wealth of protected lands like High Point State Park and Stokes State Forest. The density in this region is so high that biologists frequently cite it as one of the most crowded bear habitats in North America.
Top 5 Bear Counties (by 2025 Harvest)
Harvest numbers are the primary tool New Jersey uses to track regional density and manage the population.
- Sussex: 230
- Warren: 125
- Morris: 65
- Passaic: 29
- Hunterdon: 14
Regional Hotspots: The Northwestern Core
While bears have wandered as far south as Cape May, the vast majority of the population lives in the "Big Four" counties of the northwest.
1. The Ridge and Valley Region
This area, comprising Sussex and Warren counties, represents the core breeding ground. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area provides a massive, protected corridor that allows bears to move freely between New Jersey and Pennsylvania. These two counties alone account for over 75% of the state's bear population.
2. The Highlands
Morris and Passaic counties serve as the secondary stronghold. As bears move south and east from the ridges of Sussex, they find suitable homes in the heavily wooded areas around reservoirs and state parks. However, because these counties are more densely populated by humans, they also see the highest number of "human-bear interactions."
Why is the Population Surging?
New Jersey's bear population has nearly tripled since 2018. Several factors drive this rapid growth:
- Short Winters & Early Springs: Milder winters in recent years have led to higher cub survival rates and sows (females) emerging from dens in better physical condition.
- The "Garden State" Buffet: New Jersey bears have access to a high-calorie diet. Beyond natural foods like acorns and berries, suburban "supplementary" foods like birdseed and unsecured trash have significantly increased the carrying capacity of the land.
- High Reproductive Rates: In the lush environment of North Jersey, it is not uncommon for sows to produce litters of three or even four cubs, which is higher than the national average.
Managing the Growth
To address the surge in bear-related incidents—which spiked by over 200% between 2021 and 2022—the state reintroduced a regulated hunt. The 2025 season included two segments in October and December, specifically designed to curb the growth rate before the population exceeded the 4,000-bear threshold.
Safety Reminder: Because of the high density in the northwest, "BearWise" living is a requirement for residents. This includes using certified bear-resistant trash containers and removing all outdoor food sources. If you are hiking in Sussex or Warren counties, remember that you are in a high-traffic bear zone; keep dogs on a leash and make noise to avoid surprising a bruin.
