HARRISBURG - Hunters shot an estimated 2,004 bears during the three-day season Nov. 19 to 21, and 23 bears during archery season Nov. 14 and 15, the Pennsylvania Game Commission said yesterday.
Game officials expect the number to increase because of an extended season in parts of the state through Saturday.
Last year, hunters killed 3,122 bears, the second-most in Pennsylvania history. The record was set in 2005, when hunters killed 4,164. Official figures will be available in early 2008.