The 3 Biggest Black Bear Records In New Jersey History (And The 2025 Management Plan That’s Changing Everything)
The American black bear (Ursus americanus) population in New Jersey has always been a subject of fascination, conflict, and record-breaking size. As of December 24, 2025, the state continues to grapple with managing a thriving population, particularly in the northern counties, but the sheer size of some of these bruins has cemented New Jersey’s place in hunting and wildlife history, most recently with a massive animal estimated to weigh over 900 pounds alive, setting a North American record for a bowhunter. The latest data for 2025 also shows a significant shift in bear activity, signaling that the ongoing management strategies by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) are having a measurable impact on human-bear interactions.
The quest for the definitive "NJ black bear record" is complex, often involving the distinction between estimated live weight, dressed weight, and the method of harvest. However, one bear stands out as the largest ever taken by a bowhunter, a true giant whose size stunned wildlife experts across the continent and put the state's bear population under a global spotlight.
The North American Record: Brian Melvin’s 900-Pound Behemoth
The single most talked-about black bear record in recent New Jersey history belongs to Morris County resident Brian Melvin. His monumental harvest didn't just break a state record; it set a new North American benchmark for a black bear taken with archery equipment, a feat certified by the prestigious Pope and Young Club.
Biography of the Record-Setting Bear and Hunter
- Hunter: Brian Melvin
- Location of Harvest: Kinnelon, Morris County, New Jersey
- Method of Harvest: Archery (Bowhunting)
- Dressed Weight: 770 pounds
- Estimated Live Weight: Approximately 880 to 910 pounds (often cited as ~900 pounds)
- Record Status: Largest bow-harvested black bear in North America (Pope and Young Club record)
- Year of Harvest: The record-setting bear was harvested in a recent hunting season after Melvin had pursued the massive bruin for three seasons.
Melvin’s story is a testament to perseverance. He spent three years tracking the elusive bruin, which he finally ambushed as it traveled between its bedding area and feeding grounds. The sheer size of the animal, which dressed out at an astonishing 770 pounds, immediately sparked interest and controversy, highlighting the incredible size that American black bears can reach in the dense, resource-rich habitats of Northern New Jersey, particularly in areas like Sussex and Warren County where the population is most concentrated.
The size of the bear—with a live weight estimated to be near 900 pounds—eclipsed many other bears taken by all weapon types, making it a truly exceptional specimen.
New Jersey’s Largest Black Bears: The Absolute Weight Records
While Brian Melvin holds the archery title, the overall New Jersey black bear record for the heaviest animal ever caught is an even higher number, though the exact circumstances are sometimes less publicized than the bow-harvest record. The state's black bears have a reputation for massive size, largely due to a combination of factors including a healthy habitat, abundant food sources, and effective black bear management that has allowed the population to flourish.
The Heaviest Bear Ever Caught in the State
The largest black bear ever caught in New Jersey is reported to have weighed an astonishing 829 pounds. Another widely cited figure for the largest bear taken by any weapon is 825 pounds. These figures place New Jersey's black bears among the largest ever recorded anywhere in the world, showcasing the state's capacity to produce true mega-bruins. The average adult male black bear in New Jersey typically weighs around 400 pounds, making these record-holders extraordinary outliers.
The state’s black bear population is currently estimated to be around 3,000 animals, a number that has increased over the years due to habitat expansion. The majority of these bears reside in the northwestern part of the state, but sightings have become increasingly common in more suburban and even urban areas, leading to the necessity of strict management protocols.
Understanding Bear Weights: Live vs. Dressed
When discussing bear records, it is crucial to understand the difference between live weight and dressed weight (or field-dressed weight):
- Live Weight: The bear's total weight before any processing. This is usually an estimate for harvested bears, but it is the figure used for bears caught or tranquilized by wildlife officials. The record-setting bow-harvested bear was estimated to be near 900 pounds live.
- Dressed Weight: The weight of the bear after the internal organs have been removed. This is the figure often used for official hunting records, as it is a precise, verifiable measurement. Brian Melvin's 770-pound bear was its dressed weight.
The massive size of these New Jersey bears is often attributed to their diet, which includes natural food sources as well as human-related food, such as garbage and bird feeders, a practice the NJDEP actively discourages.
The 2025 Black Bear Management Plan: Policy Updates and Incident Reduction
The presence of such large animals, combined with a growing bear population, necessitates continuous review and updating of the state's black bear management plan. The New Jersey Fish and Game Council plays a central role in these decisions, aiming to balance wildlife conservation with public safety. The most recent updates for the 2025 season reflect a dynamic and ongoing effort to manage the population.
Key Updates for the 2025 Bear Hunting Season
In a move to manage the population and address nuisance bear incidents, the Council has approved a five-year management plan, which includes specific regulations for the 2025 bear hunting season:
- Minimum Harvest Weight: Hunters are prohibited from harvesting a black bear that weighs less than 75 pounds (live weight) or less than 50 pounds dressed. This measure is intended to protect younger, smaller bears.
- Harvest Rate Closure Trigger: The season will be immediately closed if the cumulative harvest rate reaches 30% of the bears tagged in 2025. This allows the NJDEP to maintain strict control over the population reduction targets.
- Proposed Trophy Hunt Ban: There is an ongoing proposal to amend the state's management plan to end black bear trophy hunts, reflecting a shift in conservation philosophy.
- Unintentional Feeding Law: Legislation has been clarified and expanded to prohibit the unintentional feeding or luring of black bears, including activities like baiting white-tailed deer, which can draw bears into human-populated areas.
A Significant Drop in Bear Incidents
The efforts of the New Jersey Fish and Game Council and the NJDEP appear to be yielding positive results. According to recent reports, New Jersey has seen a remarkable 28.21% decrease in reported black bear incidents in 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year. This reduction is a key metric in evaluating the success of the management plan.
Data from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection shows a notable drop in specific activities year-to-date for 2025:
- Bird Feeder Incidents: Down from 39 to 23.
- General Sightings: Down from 389 to 250.
- Injured Bear Incidents: Down from 67 to 43.
These statistics suggest that the combination of hunting seasons, public education, and stricter feeding laws is effectively reducing the number of nuisance bear incidents and urban bear encounters, making the co-existence between humans and these massive animals safer for both parties.
The New Jersey black bear record—whether the overall 829-pound giant or Brian Melvin's 770-pound archery champion—serves as a powerful reminder of the state’s rich and robust wildlife. As the 2025 management plan continues to be implemented, New Jersey remains a unique case study in how a densely populated state can successfully manage a thriving population of North America's largest predator, ensuring that future generations can marvel at the sight of these incredible, record-breaking animals from a safe distance.
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