Black Bears Come to Blows in New Jersey

by
posted on November 7, 2014
wilder_ah2015_fs.jpg (27)

Video of a black bear on black bear battle royale—purportedly filmed in Rockaway, New Jersey—hit YouTube last week, and has been making its rounds online. In the video, which is embedded at the bottom of this post, a pair of large, male black bears throw down for the better part of six minutes before they run out of steam and the amateur videographer decides it's time to move on.

The video's tag claims that the encounter was filmed on Aug. 14, 2014, in the suburbs of Rockaway, a town situated in the northern-most part of the state. It's a region that's had its fair share of bear-related news the last few months. Over the summer, I blogged about another black bear that was repeatedly spotted casually strolling through the suburbs on its hind legs. In September, meanwhile, there were tragic reports of a college student being killed by a bear in Apshawa Preserve—the state's first fatal bear attack in 150 years.

The bears in this particular incident, though, seem dead set on beating the tar out of each other. The equally-matched duo give it their all, and inflict visible damage on each other over the course of the six minute brawl—most of which takes place in the middle of somebody's front yard. A few motorists pass by the duel, but largely seem unimpressed. Good on them—I'd have figured they'd rubberneck so hard they'd have come down with a case of whiplash.

That all said, I went to college around these parts—testosterone-fueled brawls between a couple of bros aren't all that uncommon up there. Still, I'd say this is probably one of the better Garden State scuffles I've ever seen. Top five, at least. Anyway, check out the video below to get a closer look at the action.

Latest

NRAAM 2025
NRAAM 2025

MidwayUSA Named Official Sponsor of the 2025 NRA Annual Meetings

Glock, Inc. is the Presenting Sponsor of the Freedom Experience on Saturday, April 26th

First Look: Montana Rifle Company Marshall Hunting Rifle

Montana Rifle Company (MRC) has announced its Marshall Hunting Rifle—a rifle the company bills as being 10,000 rounds in the making.

Spring Gobbler Gear Roundup

Mike Roux lays out his winter's turkey gear discoveries, just in time for spring gobbler season.

National 4-H Shooting Sports Signs on as Official +ONE Partner

The National 4-H Shooting Sports program has joined the +ONE Movement, a national mentorship initiative led by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) that encourages peer-to-peer mentorship in the hunting and shooting sports.

#SundayGunday: Wilson Combat NULA Model 20

On this week's #SunsdayGunday, we take a look at the Wilson Combat NULA Model 20. A descendant of the New Ultralight Arms rifles designed by Melvin Forbes, the Model 20 carries on Melvin's legacy of lightweight accuracy in a way only Wilson Combat can. For more information, check out this exclusive video.

New for 2025: Gritr 47-Inch Hard Rifle Case

Gritr has launched its 47-inch Hard Rifle Case, for shooters looking for portable security and protection for their firearm. 

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.