Some wildlife advocates are expressing concerns about bear hunting in central Georgia, saying too many of the animals are being killed by hunting.

The Telegraph of Macon reports that about a tenth of central Georgia's black bear population was killed when the first-ever open bear season was held in three counties last month.

Authorities say 34 bears were killed Nov. 12, half of them females, and all in an area near Tarversville in Twiggs County.

John Trussell, founder of the nonprofit group Save Oaky Woods, says too many of the animals were killed, particularly female bears.

John Bowers, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' assistant chief for game management, said officials are pleased with the bear harvest, which was in line with what they anticipated.

Tags: hunting, black bear, Twiggs County, first-ever open bear season