So far, 487 bears killed in hunt

NEWTON, N.J. - Hunters have killed 487 bears during New Jersey's expanded black bear hunt.

Figures show 55 bears were killed Friday, the fifth day of the hunt and the second in which muzzle-loading guns were permitted.

The six-day expanded hunt was to end Saturday.

There were 510 bears killed during last year's hunt, which was the second-highest total since the hunt restarted in 2010.

State officials say the expanded hunt was added this year due to increased human-and-bear interaction.

The first three days were reserved for bow hunting, while hunting with bows and muzzle-loading guns are allowed for the final three days.

The firearm-only season for bear hunting this year will take place from Dec. 5 to 10.