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The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection wants residents to be aware of black bears emerging from hibernation this spring.
Since the 1980s, the black bear population in New Jersey has been growing. The animals tend to live in the state’s mixed hardwood forests, dense swamps and forested wetlands, but are highly adaptable.
While bears are more commonly seen in the northwest part of the state, bears have been sighted across all 21 counties. To reduce encounters and conflicts, the DEP is suggesting residents follow safety precautions:
- Secure trash and eliminate obvious food sources, such as pet food bowls, easy-to-reach bird feeders, or food residue 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, in the basement, in a sturdy shed or another 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, ensuring they are at least 10 ft. 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.
