Crime & Safety

Bear Awareness Seminar Planned in Chatham Township

Educational event follows numerous sightings.

An educational bear awareness seminar for Chatham Township residents is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, township police have announced.

Michele Smith from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife will be presenting critical bear education and awareness information to residents, and all are welcome to attend, police said.

People interested in learning more about bears in the meantime can visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearfacts.htm, police said.

A flyer on the township website also highlights an educational video.

The "Know the Bear Facts" program offers information about living with black bears in New Jersey. It covers the natural history and biology of bears in the state, and the results of black bear research. It also includes practical information on coexisting with black bears, and ways to ensure bears don't become a nuisance in the neighborhood.

Last month, Chatham Township police said he bruins have caused "a great deal of alarm" among residents this year, and they would try to coerce bears to move out of neighborhoods when called.

Police said they are limited in what actions they may take unless bears act aggressively.

Over the summer, bears in Chatham were tracked by policefrightened away by sirens, and caught checking out open garages.

In September, a bear was seen by people waiting at a school bus stop.

"Unlike in past years, this year the bear sightings have caused a great deal of alarm amongst a number of our residents," police said in an Oct. 4 alert. "As always, the Chatham Township Police Department and its members are committed to protecting our residents from harm, or fear of harm no matter how big or small."


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