From the Field
New Jersey, BEARZILLA

New Jersey doesn't have much bear habitat compared to most other states. But, it sure does have some PRIME bear habitat!! Bearzilla, as he is known, weighed 726 pounds (330 kg) a few weeks out of hibernation on May 10, 2008. If he hadn't yet regained any weight, and if he lost 15% of his weight over the winter's hibernation, he weighed about 850 in the fall. If he lost 20%, he weighed over 900. Bear hunting is prohibited by New Jersey's politicians, and that seems unlikely to change soon. So if Bearzilla can avoid cars and not get himself shot by police or conservation officers, he may eventually become the first officially weighed 1000 pound black bear. When did he last climb a tree?