Black bears live here too, so stay alert and safe

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — A bear cub was sighted in June in Millburn, a mile west of Greenwood Gardens and the South Mountain Reservation. Another bear sighting occurred near Columbia High School in Maplewood. Therefore, the South Mountain Conservancy advises those hiking in the reservation to keep alert, keep their distance and follow the bear safety tips.

Black bears by nature tend to be wary of people. However, if you encounter a black bear in your neighborhood or outdoors while hiking or camping, follow these common-sense safety tips:

• Never feed or approach a bear.
• Remain calm if you encounter a bear. Never run from a bear; instead, slowly back away.
• Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands or making other noises.
• Make sure the bear has an escape route.
• If a bear enters your home, provide it with an escape route by propping all doors open.
• Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. 
• To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans, or using an air horn. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.
• The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws and swat the ground. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away and avoid direct eye contact.
• 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. This is usually not a threatening behavior.
• Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground and avoid direct eye contact, then slowly back away.
• If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area.
• Report black bear damage or nuisance behavior to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-927-6337.
• Families who live in areas frequented by black bears should have a “bear plan” in place for children, with an escape route and planned use of whistles and air horns.
• Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back!

  New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, South Mountain Reservation