In a photo from autumn of 2011, a family of bears investigates a dumpster behind a diner in Pomona, N.Y. Black bears are becoming more common in populated areas around the United States.
A bill to expand the state’s bear hunting season ignited a passionate debate from agriculture producers and animal rights groups on Monday. Proponents say it’ll help curb the growing bear population, but opponents worry the measure could harm female bears and orphan cubs.
