More than 500 bears have been killed this New Jersey bear hunting season so far, still organizers are planning to expand the tradition this year. Animal lovers and some activist groups have vowed to continue their fight against the bear management policy.

There are reports that the state will add six days in October to bear hunting season. As per a statement by the state wildlife officials, three days will be allotted for bow hunting, while the rest added days will be for muzzle-loading guns and bows and arrows hunting.

Participants will be allowed to take two hunted bears, but the animals must be killed in two different seasons, as per the officials. They said it is important to control bear population in New Jersey, particularly in the northern part, and hunting is the only option.

Voters, on Sunday, asked Chris Christie, Governor of New Jersey and a presidential contender, about his decision to add more days in the hunting season. “New Jersey has been overrun by black bears. We've been overrun. They're coming into neighborhoods. They're coming into homes”, Christie answered to thousands of people.

The governor has been showing his support for the hunting tradition, but the hunt continues to draw fire from activists and animals lovers. According to animal welfare activists, it is unnecessary and inhumane to kill bears. They also said that bow hunting may hurt other animals. Use of arrow also may give wounds to the animal, instead of killing it, they said.