Know your BEAR facts! In light of recent sightings of a bear in our area, please read the below:
Hungry black bears have recently come out of hibernation and are out searching for food. Black bears are attracted by odors from potential food sources created by people. Residents can take simple, practical precautions to avoid attracting black bears and to discourage the animals from becoming a nuisance by visiting NJDEP's website.
Black bears, by nature, tend to be wary of people. However, if you encounter a black bear in your neighborhood or outdoors, follow these common-sense safety tips:
❌ DON’T
- Do not feed bears.
- Do not approach bears. Especially feeding bears, which will aggressively defend their food.
- Do not run from bears. Running may trigger a chase response.
- Do not make direct eye contact. Bears may perceive this as a challenge.
✅ DO
- Remain calm and slowly back away.
- Make the bear aware of you.
- Be loud: speak in an assertive voice, yell, sing, or clap your hands. If available, bang pots and pans or use an air horn.
- Make yourself look big. Wave your arms. Hold your jacket above your head.
- If you’re in a group, stay together and perform these actions together.
- Make sure the bear has an escape route. If a bear enters your home, prop all the doors open.
- If the bear doesn’t leave, move to a secure area.
- Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back! Aim for the snout and/or eyes. Use anything at hand: (knife, sticks, rocks, binoculars, backpack, or kick the bear).
- Report black bear damage or nuisance behavior to the DEP’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).
❕ REMEMBER
The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping sounds by snapping its jaws, and swat the ground. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact, and do not run.
If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. It is usually not a threatening behavior.
Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened, or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, then slowly back away, and do not run.
Learn more about black bears and black bear safety at https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/bears.
