TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey's long-debated black bear hunts have stoked strong passions, blasted by animal rights activists as inhumane and supported by hunters and wildlife officials who say they help control the population and minimize run-ins with humans.

But the death of a bear presumed to be one that walked on two feet and became a social media darling has become a rallying cry for hunt opponents as they prepare to stage protests during the second segment of this year's hunt, which starts Monday. It's scheduled to run through Saturday, but officials said it could end early depending o...