Over 1,700 Black Bears taken by hunters across New York during 2025 – 2026 seasons, DEC estimates

1,759 Black Bears were taken across New York State during the 2025 – 2026 hunting seasons, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation.

The DEC has been tracking annual bear harvests since 1955 and this season was second only to 2003, while the Southern Zone set a new harvest record.

"The recovery and growth of New York’s bear population is testament to DEC’s vigilant wildlife management efforts,” said Commissioner Amanda Lefton.

Back during the 1950’s, bears only occupied the most remote and mountainous regions of New York, such as the Adirondack, Catskill, and Allegheny mountains, the DEC claims.

Over the past 70 years, bears gradually expanded their range in the State, and DEC began opening new areas for bear hunting.

Statewide, the DEC says hunters harvested approximately 4% more bears than the 2024 season and 18% above the 10-year average.

The Southern Zone take included an estimated 1,202 bears taken, including the 10 heaviest bears recorded for the year.

Finally, the Northern Zone harvest estimate of 557 bears was slightly lower than 2024, but still above the 10-year average.

NYS DEC Black Bear image.