Black Bears Come to Blows in New Jersey

by
posted on November 7, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
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

Weatherby Capra Right Lightest Bolt Action Rifle
Weatherby Capra Right Lightest Bolt Action Rifle

New For 2026: Weatherby Capra

This latest Mark V bolt-action rifle from Weatherby is poised to be the company's lightest ever, with a starting weight of just 4 pounds.

First Look: Remington We The People Ammunition for US 250th

Remington recently announced its "We The People" limited-edition ammunition line commemorating America's sesquicentennial.

#SundayGunday: Savage Arms B Series Timber Tactical

On this week's #SundayGunday, NRA Media's Jay Grazio checks out the B Series Timber Tactical from Savage. A nifty little rimfire with an 18-inch heavy-profile, deep spiral fluted barrel, the Timber Tactical comes available in .22 LR, .22 WMR and 17 HMR, perfect chamberings for plinkers and small-game hunters alike. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

New for 2026: Browning BAR MK 4 Hunter

One of America's favorite semi-automatic hunting rifles is back, in the Browning BAR MK 4. In this video, American Hunter Editor in Chief Scott Olmsted checks out the Hunter model, with a beautiful walnut stock, and aluminum alloy receiver.

New for 2026: Remington 7mm Backcountry Offerings

The 7mm BackCountry came to light last year this time, utilizing a Peak Alloy steel case to raise the pressure limits from the traditional 65,000 psi all the way up to 80,000 psi. For 2026, Remington has joined the party with three offerings for the 7BC: Core-Lokt, Core-Lokt Tipped, and Speer Impact.

Landmark Cougar Reproduction Confirmed in Michigan

Late last month, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) verified a Dec. 6 photo of an adult cougar being followed by two kittens down a snowy trail in central Ontonagon County. The last time the kittens were documented—in early March 2025—they were only about two months old and alone, raising concerns about their survival.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.