Springtime Bear Activity in New Jersey

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has issued a formal warning to residents as black bears begin to emerge from their winter dens. With the arrival of spring, these animals are actively searching for food, prompting officials to emphasize the importance of being "bear aware."

While black bears have been spotted in all 21 of New Jersey’s counties, the highest concentrations remain in the northwest region. This includes Morris, Sussex, Warren, and northern Passaic counties, as well as parts of Hunterdon, Somerset, and Bergen counties.

The Importance of Reducing Attractants

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden noted that bears possess a powerful sense of smell, capable of detecting food sources from over two miles away. "We’ve had a long winter, and black bears are emerging from their dens and searching for food," Golden stated. He warned that if residents allow their property to be associated with food, the risk of unwanted encounters increases significantly.

Tips for Securing Your Property

  • Manage Trash: Use bear-resistant containers or store garbage in secure areas like garages or sheds. Only place trash out on the morning of collection, not the night before.
  • Eliminate Food Sources: Clean barbecue grills, remove bird feeders, and bring pet food bowls indoors immediately after use.
  • Pet Safety: Keep dogs on a leash in bear-prone areas and ensure they are housed in secure kennels or indoors at night.
  • Composting: Avoid placing meat, dairy, or sweet food items into compost piles.

How to React During a Bear Encounter

If you encounter a black bear, officials recommend the following safety measures:

  • Stay Calm: Do not run, as this may trigger a predatory instinct. Back away slowly while avoiding direct eye contact.
  • Make Noise: Use whistles, air horns, or shout to scare the bear away. Make yourself look larger by waving your arms or standing close to others.
  • Identify Warning Signs: If a bear makes huffing sounds, snaps its jaws, or swats the ground, you are too close. Back away slowly.
  • Understand Behavior: Standing on hind legs is often a non-threatening way for a bear to get a better view or smell.

Families living in areas with frequent bear activity are encouraged to create a "Bear Plan" for children, which includes established escape routes and the use of noise-making devices like whistles.