spectr17
02-28-2003, 06:17 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:
Amy Cradic
2/27/03
609-984-1795
DEP and U.S. Humane Society Sign Agreement to Research Use of
Immunocontraceptives on Black Bears
New Panel Examines State's Bear Population Estimates
(03/22) TRENTON - Today, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell announced that New Jersey will work in
partnership with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to study
the use of PZP, an immunocontraceptive, as a non-lethal approach to
manage the state's black bear population.
"In addition to traditional wildlife management measures, non-lethal
methods need to be developed and considered as potential tools to manage
New Jersey's wildlife populations," said DEP Commissioner Bradley M.
Campbell. "The rebounded black bear population in New Jersey remains a
true success story. Our responsibility now is to ensure adequate habitat
for black bears and safe, livable communities in and around that shared
domain."
The pilot project will start with a study on black bears in captivity
prior to treating animals in the wild. As part of its Memorandum of
Agreement with the DEP, the HSUS will provide and administer the PZP and
state wildlife biologists will participate in the examination and
monitoring of the bears. If the PZP shows significant evidence that it
is safe and effective in captive bears, the HSUS will acquire necessary
FDA approval before proceeding, in partnership with the DEP, with tests
on the state's wild black bear population.
In addition to the immunocontraceptive study, a new independent black
bear panel is conducting a month-long review of New Jersey's bear
population estimates. The panel may also examine management tools and
potential population control measures to recommend to the state based
upon their population review.
"In our series of public meetings on the bear population, numerous
citizens raised concern about the adequacy and soundness of our
population estimates," Commissioner Campbell added. "This independent
review panel will ensure that we have thoughtful deliberation of both
the data and any management options that are considered."
Members of the independent bear panel include: Louis Berchielli,
biologist, New York Department of Environmental Conservation; Dante
DiPirro, Counselor and Legal Policy Advisor to the Commissioner, New
Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; George Howard, New Jersey
Fish and Game Council; Dr. Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research
Institute - Minnesota; Dr. Allen Rutberg, biologist, Tufts University;
Harry Spiker, Biologist, Maryland Department of Natural Resources; Lynda
Smith, Bear Citizen Group.
Three, independent statistical experts, Dr. Michael Conroy of the
University of Georgia, Dr. Gary White of Colorado State University and
Dr. Edwin Green of Rutgers University, are also assisting the black bear
panel in their review of DEP research and population data.
In addition, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's
Division of Fish and Wildlife and the New York Department of
Environmental Conservation will host the 17th Eastern Black Bear
Workshop from March 2-5 at the Wyndham Gardens Hotel and Conference
Center in Mount Olive, Morris County. The semi-annual workshop brings
together scientific researchers and managers from the state, federal,
provincial and university communities who are responsible for black bear
management. This year's workshop is entitled "Black Bears in the
Backyard." Information about the workshop can be found at
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com.
Daytime events are not open to the general public. However, the public
is encouraged to attend and participate in evening educational programs.
Amy Cradic
2/27/03
609-984-1795
DEP and U.S. Humane Society Sign Agreement to Research Use of
Immunocontraceptives on Black Bears
New Panel Examines State's Bear Population Estimates
(03/22) TRENTON - Today, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)
Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell announced that New Jersey will work in
partnership with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to study
the use of PZP, an immunocontraceptive, as a non-lethal approach to
manage the state's black bear population.
"In addition to traditional wildlife management measures, non-lethal
methods need to be developed and considered as potential tools to manage
New Jersey's wildlife populations," said DEP Commissioner Bradley M.
Campbell. "The rebounded black bear population in New Jersey remains a
true success story. Our responsibility now is to ensure adequate habitat
for black bears and safe, livable communities in and around that shared
domain."
The pilot project will start with a study on black bears in captivity
prior to treating animals in the wild. As part of its Memorandum of
Agreement with the DEP, the HSUS will provide and administer the PZP and
state wildlife biologists will participate in the examination and
monitoring of the bears. If the PZP shows significant evidence that it
is safe and effective in captive bears, the HSUS will acquire necessary
FDA approval before proceeding, in partnership with the DEP, with tests
on the state's wild black bear population.
In addition to the immunocontraceptive study, a new independent black
bear panel is conducting a month-long review of New Jersey's bear
population estimates. The panel may also examine management tools and
potential population control measures to recommend to the state based
upon their population review.
"In our series of public meetings on the bear population, numerous
citizens raised concern about the adequacy and soundness of our
population estimates," Commissioner Campbell added. "This independent
review panel will ensure that we have thoughtful deliberation of both
the data and any management options that are considered."
Members of the independent bear panel include: Louis Berchielli,
biologist, New York Department of Environmental Conservation; Dante
DiPirro, Counselor and Legal Policy Advisor to the Commissioner, New
Jersey Department of Environmental Protection; George Howard, New Jersey
Fish and Game Council; Dr. Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research
Institute - Minnesota; Dr. Allen Rutberg, biologist, Tufts University;
Harry Spiker, Biologist, Maryland Department of Natural Resources; Lynda
Smith, Bear Citizen Group.
Three, independent statistical experts, Dr. Michael Conroy of the
University of Georgia, Dr. Gary White of Colorado State University and
Dr. Edwin Green of Rutgers University, are also assisting the black bear
panel in their review of DEP research and population data.
In addition, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's
Division of Fish and Wildlife and the New York Department of
Environmental Conservation will host the 17th Eastern Black Bear
Workshop from March 2-5 at the Wyndham Gardens Hotel and Conference
Center in Mount Olive, Morris County. The semi-annual workshop brings
together scientific researchers and managers from the state, federal,
provincial and university communities who are responsible for black bear
management. This year's workshop is entitled "Black Bears in the
Backyard." Information about the workshop can be found at
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com.
Daytime events are not open to the general public. However, the public
is encouraged to attend and participate in evening educational programs.