This bill was known as A.2963/S.2369 during the 2012-13 session.
Bill Description:
The bill requires campgrounds, closed communities and municipalities in bear habitat (as identified by the state) to use bear-resistant bins and dumpsters. It also restricts baiting for bear or deer in bear habitat.[teaserbreak]
Background:
Humans can limit contact with bears by eliminating behavior that draws them in. A ban on baiting — whether intentional by hunters or unintentional with garbage — is one of the most sensible ways to ensure a safer distance.
Baiting by hunters damages forests by drawing too much wildlife to a single spot. It also teaches bears to take food from humans. Once they’re desensitized to people, the risk of future contact increases.
Read this op-ed by the Animal Protection League of NJ for more details.
Take Action:
New Jersey residents, use this form to contact your state senator, and voice your support for the bill!
Read the full text here.