How to Stay Safe When Encountering a Bear

A biologist and bear educator for the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife visited Chatham Township last week to discuss living with black bears.

This year, bears in the township have been spotted checking out open garages and near a school bus stop, and the sightings have caused "a great deal of alarm" among residents, police have said.

However, officers are limited in what actions they may take unless bears act aggressively.

The biologist, Michelle Smith, shared tips on making sure bears don't become a nuisance, and what to do if you encounter a bear. The township website has a list of the tips, copied below:

Steps you should take in order to ensure that bears do not become a nuisance animal in the neighborhood include keeping trash containers securely closed and avoid having bird feeders and other food items outside where bears can reach them. Bears tend to roam into, and return to, neighborhoods where they have access to food. 

If You Encounter a Bear

• Remain calm.

• Do not feed or approach the bear. Instead, view the bear from a distance. 

• Make sure the bear has an escape route.  

• Make yourself look big by waving your arms. 

• Scare the bear away by making noise. 

• Back away and move to a secure location if the bear does not leave. 

• Do not run. Do not play dead. 

• Report bear damage and nuisance incidents to the police or the DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife at 1-877-927- 6337

Read more: 

http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearfacts.htm 

Watch the 15-minute highlight video 

http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearfacts_dvd.htm