ALBANY (AP) - Bear hunting season opens next weekend in New York's northern zone.
The state Department of Environmental Conservation says New York has between 6,000 and 7,000 black bears in the wild, and the numbers have grown in recent years. With the growing population, bears have been expanding their range and can be found in a variety of habitats including developed areas.
The largest population is in the Adirondacks, where there are between 4,000 and 5,000 bears.
The early bear season runs from Sept. 17 through Oct. 14 in the Adirondacks. Hunters may use a bow, muzzleloader, handgun, shotgun, rifle or crossbow during this season.