“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.”

It is also extremely important for people to never feed black bears. Intentionally feeding bears is illegal in New Jersey and carries a fine of up to $1,000. After learning to associate people with food, these animals can become nuisance bears that cause property damage and become dangerous.

Reduce Potential for Bear Conflicts

To minimize potential conflicts, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife recommends:

• Secure trash and eliminate obvious sources of food such as pet food bowls, easy-to-reach bird feeders, or food residue left on barbecue grills. Use certified bear-resistant garbage containers if possible. Otherwise, store all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids and place them along the inside walls of your garage, or in the basement, a sturdy shed or other secure area.
• Wash garbage containers frequently with a disinfectant solution to remove odors. Put out garbage on collection day, not the night before.
• Avoid feeding birds when bears are active. If you choose to feed birds, do so during daylight hours only and bring feeders indoors at night. Suspend birdfeeders from a free-hanging wire, making sure they are at least 10 feet off the ground. Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
• Immediately remove all uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors.
• Clean outdoor grills and utensils to remove food and grease residue. Store grills securely.
• Do not place meat, dairy or any sweet foods in compost piles.
• Remove fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard.
• Properly install electric fencing as an effective way to protect crops, beehives and livestock.
• Motorists are reminded to drive with caution and watch out for bears that may be near or on roadways.

Black Bear Safety Tips

If you encounter a black bear in your neighborhood or outdoors while hiking or camping, follow these safety tips:

• Remain calm. Never run from a bear, as this may trigger its predatory instinct. Instead, slowly back away. Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. Make sure the bear has an escape route.
• To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, using a whistle, banging pots and pans, or blowing 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.
• Make bears aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises. If hiking through bear country, always make your presence known through loud talking or clapping of hands.
• If a bear utters a series of huffs, makes popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws or swats the ground, these are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away and avoid direct eye contact. Do not run.
• 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 non-threatening behavior.
• Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened, or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, slowly back away and do not run.
• If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area, such as a vehicle or a building.
• 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.
• Report black bear damage or aggressive bears to your local police department or to NJDEP Fish & Wildlife by calling 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337).

Black Bears and Food Sources

Black bears are mainly found in the northwestern portion of the state, particularly Morris, Sussex, Warren and northern Passaic counties, as well as portions of Hunterdon, Somerset, and Bergen counties. However, black bears have been reported in all 21 counties. Their natural diet is comprised of plants, berries, fruit, nuts, insects, bird eggs, small mammals, and carrion. However, black bears are opportunistic feeders and will take advantage of any food source available to them. Carefully controlling sources of food around homes and campsites, such as improperly stored trash, can help prevent black bears from coming into backyards and campgrounds, and associating people with food.