by Ithaca, NY – In a rare and unexpected incident at Cornell University, two students legally hunted a 120-pound black bear and proceeded to skin and butcher the animal in an undergraduate residence hall kitchen. The event occurred on Saturday, September 6, and sparked a police report after a complaint was filed the following day.
This unusual situation has drawn attention both on campus and within the wider community, as authorities and university officials confirm that the students acted within legal parameters, holding valid hunting licenses under New York State regulations.
Legal Hunting and University Response
According to a statement provided to PEOPLE by a Cornell University spokesperson on September 11, the two undergraduate students legally killed the bear during the early firearms hunting season in New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Region 4. The region, encompassing the southeastern part of the state including Tompkins County where Ithaca is located, allows black bear hunting starting October 1 for bows, but early firearms season began on the exact date of the incident.
Cornell University confirmed:
- The students had valid New York State hunting licenses
- The killing of the bear was conducted lawfully
- The animal was brought back to the residence hall kitchen for processing
- A police report followed a complaint made on Sunday, September 7
- No charges have been filed against the students after DEC investigation
“Two Cornell undergraduate students with valid New York State hunting licenses killed a bear lawfully over the weekend,” the university stated. “The students brought the animal into a Cornell residence hall for processing on Saturday.”
Campus Reactions and Investigations
The incident led to a complaint filed with the Cornell University Police Department on the evening of September 7. Following the complaint, university officials and DEC investigators conducted a thorough inspection. NBC News reported that the DEC investigator found no code violations after visiting the university on that Sunday.
As a precaution, the residence hall kitchen was temporarily closed, with signs noting the closure due to the incident. While Cornell does not have an official mascot, the unofficial Big Red Bear mascot is well known around campus, and sightings of students dressed as a bear at games are common.
Context on Black Bear Hunting in New York State
Black bear hunting regulations in Region 4 of New York State are clearly outlined by the DEC. The early firearms hunting season began on September 6, 2024, the same day the bear was killed. Bowhunting season is set to start on October 1.
Key points regarding hunting in the area include:
- Licensed hunting is legally permitted under strict state regulations
- The DEC strictly monitors wildlife and hunting activities to ensure legal compliance
- Hunters must possess valid licenses, which these students held
- The activity was conducted during the authorized early firearms hunting season
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This case stands as an unusual example of lawfully hunted wildlife being brought directly back to a student residence hall for processing, sparking discussions about campus policies and hunting culture among students and locals alike.
For further details, see the original coverage by PEOPLE Magazine.
What Does This Mean for Campus and Hunting Practices?
The incident raises questions about appropriate spaces for processing hunted animals within campus facilities and the community’s perception of hunting practices. University officials may review policies related to the use of residence hall kitchens for such activities.
As hunting remains a regulated outdoor sport, awareness and communication between hunters and university administration will be key to avoiding similar controversies while respecting legal hunting rights.
Key takeaway points:
- The bear weighed approximately 120 pounds.
- The students had legal hunting licenses and hunted during the authorized season.
- No legal violations or charges were made following DEC and university investigations.
- The university kitchen was closed temporarily after the incident due to concerns.
What do you think about this unusual hunting incident at Cornell University? Have you ever experienced a situation where legal hunting intersected with campus life? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
