NEW JERSEY — New Jersey wildlife officials are urging people to secure garbage and remove outdoor food sources as black bears become increasingly active while searching for food ahead of winter.
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Fish & Wildlife division said fall brings a period of heightened black bear activity as the animals consume large amounts of food before entering their dens for the winter.
“Black bears are preparing to den up for the winter and need to consume large amounts of food in the fall,” said NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner David Golden. “Bears have an incredible sense of smell and can home in on potential food sources at long distances. This can bring bears into neighborhoods and camps if food sources such as household garbage and camping supplies are not properly secured and bear proofed.”
Black bears are found primarily in northwestern New Jersey, particularly in Morris, Sussex, Warren and northern Passaic counties, as well as portions of Hunterdon, Somerset and Bergen counties. However, bears have been reported in all 21 counties.
Wildlife officials said people should never intentionally feed black bears. Feeding bears is illegal in New Jersey and can result in a fine of up to $1,000.
Bears that learn to associate people with food can become nuisance animals, potentially causing property damage and creating dangerous situations, according to the NJDEP.
Officials recommend securing garbage in certified bear-resistant containers when possible. Otherwise, garbage should be kept in containers with tight-fitting lids and stored inside a garage, basement, sturdy shed or another secure location.
Garbage containers should be washed frequently to eliminate odors, and trash should be placed outside on the day of collection rather than the night before.
People are also encouraged to remove pet food bowls and uneaten pet food from outside, clean food and grease from outdoor grills, avoid putting meat, dairy products or sweet foods in compost piles and remove fallen fruit and nuts from yards.
The NJDEP recommends avoiding feeding birds while bears are active. Those who continue using bird feeders should put them out only during daylight hours and bring them inside at night. Feeders should be suspended at least 10 feet above the ground, and spilled seeds and shells should be cleaned up daily.
Electric fencing can also be used to protect crops, beehives and livestock.
Motorists are being reminded to watch for bears near or crossing roadways.
If someone encounters a black bear, wildlife officials advise remaining calm and never running. People should slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact and make sure the bear has an escape route.
People can attempt to scare a bear away by yelling, blowing a whistle or air horn, banging pots and pans or making themselves appear larger by waving their arms.
If a bear huffs, snaps its jaws or swats the ground, officials said those are warning signs that a person is too close and should slowly back away without running.
A bear standing on its hind legs or moving closer may simply be attempting to get a better view or pick up a scent and is generally not displaying threatening behavior, according to the NJDEP.
Black bears may also bluff charge when they feel cornered or threatened or are attempting to take food. Officials advise people to stand their ground, avoid direct eye contact and slowly back away.
If the bear does not leave, people should move to a secure location such as a vehicle or building.
Black bear attacks are extremely rare, according to wildlife officials. If a black bear does attack, people are advised to fight back.
Families living in areas regularly visited by bears are also encouraged to develop a plan for children that includes an escape route and the planned use of whistles or air horns.
Black bears naturally eat plants, berries, fruit, nuts, insects, bird eggs, small mammals and carrion, but they are opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of other available food sources.
NJDEP Fish & Wildlife said properly controlling food sources around homes and campsites can help prevent bears from entering backyards and campgrounds and learning to associate people with food.
Black bear damage or aggressive bear activity should be reported to local police or NJDEP Fish & Wildlife at 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337).
