ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Early bear hunting season is opening in northern New York.

State environmental officials say early bear season starts Saturday over much of northern New York and runs through Oct. 12.

Early bear season began a week ago in parts of southeastern New York.

There are an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 wild bears in New York state, with most of them living in the Adirondacks and Catskills.

Regular big game hunting season for deer and bear begins on Oct. 20 in northern New York and Nov. 17 in the southern zone.

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