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

35 Whelen M77 With Ammunition
35 Whelen M77 With Ammunition

The Colonel’s Caliber in an Interesting Rifle—.35 Whelen

“Only accurate rifles are interesting.” Townsend Whelen

New for 2026: Beretta A400 Solo

Beretta USA has launched the A400 Solo, a new semi-automatic shotgun engineered for hunters who demand performance in the harshest conditions. Built on Beretta's A400 platform and packed with the company's latest advancements, the A400 Solo combines Beretta's B-Link Pro gas-operating system, Steelium barrel technology and Kick-Off Plus recoil reduction system into one dependable platform.

Know How: Find Your Long-Range Limit

Curious where your ethical limit is in the field? Mark Kayser shows you exactly how to find it.

Smith & Wesson Honors America's 250th Anniversary with Limited-Edition Model 1854

Smith & Wesson has announced the launch of its America 250 Limited Edition Model 1854 rifle, created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

#SundayGunday: Fiocchi Hyperformance Hunt

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re checking out an excellent hunting round from Fiocchi: Hyperformance Hunt. Designed for intense terminal performance at standard to long hunting distances, the Hyperformance Hunt line comes loaded with either a Hornady SST Polymer Boat-Tail bullet, a Swift Scirocco Boat-Tail Spitzer, or a Barnes TTSX Polymer Tipped Copper HollowPoint. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

First Look: Eylar X Brownells 250th Anniversary Rifle and Pistol Cases

Eylar has launched its 250th Anniversary rifle case and pistol case, created in partnership with Brownells to celebrate America's 250th anniversary in 2026. Featuring patriotic artwork, tan hard-shell construction and purpose-built foam interiors, the commemorative cases offer firearm owners a distinctive way to protect and transport their gear while honoring a major milestone in American history.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.