NJ RESIDENTS ARE URGED!

IT’S BLACK BEAR HIBERNATION SEASON!

NJ residents and outdoor lovers are warned by the Department of Environmental Protection that black bears are preparing for winter and are now actively searching for food to prepare for hibernation.

Black bears are preparing to den up for the winter season and need to eat large amounts of food in the fall.  If you live in areas where black bears linger, you need to make sure they will not find food near your homes, as bears will naturally take advantage of searching through garbage cans and dumpsters, or raiding bird feeders.’

Either feeding bears deliberately or unintentionally by carelessly leaving out food or unsecured garbage can have serious consequences. Bears that learn to connect food with people become a nuisance and are more likely to damage your property or display hostility, which may jeopardize public safety.

Hikers and campers really need to make the effort to reduce any chances of attracting bears if they thoroughly bear-proof camps by removing or properly safeguarding any potential food.

Most of New Jersey’s black bears live in the northwest area,  particularly Morris, Sussex, Warren and northern Passaic counties, and portions of Hunterdon, Somerset, and Bergen counties. As the bear population in New Jersey has been growing in recent years, black bear sightings in all 21 counties, and bear-human encounters have occurred more frequently in places outside of traditional bear country, including more heavily populated suburban areas of the state.

The state’s Fish and Game Council developed the NJ Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy. That policy emphasizes managing black bears through research and monitoring, non-lethal, and lethal control of problem bears, public education on co-existing with bears, including trash management, and includes an annual controlled hunt.

These simple rules for living in NJ bear country will help minimize encounters with black bears:

• Invest in bear-proof garbage containers. If not using bear-proof garbage containers, store all garbage in containers with tight fitting lids in a secure area such as a basement, the inside wall of a garage, or a shed.
• Use electric fencing to protect livestock and beehives.
• Put garbage out on collection day, not the evening before.
• Wash garbage containers with a disinfectant at least once a week to eliminate odors. Draping ammonia or bleach soaked cloth over containers will help to eliminate odors.
• Do not place meat or sweet food scraps in compost piles.
• Feed birds only from December 1 to April 1, when bears are least active.
• If you feed birds when bears are active, suspend birdfeeders at least 10 feet off the ground.
• Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
• Feed outdoor pets during daylight hours only. Immediately remove all food scraps and bowls after feeding.
• Clean outdoor grills thoroughly after each use. Grease and food residue can attract bears.
• Do not leave food unattended while camping or picnicking.
• Store all food items in coolers inside vehicles where they are not visible or in bear-proof food storage lockers at State Park facilities.

Never feed a black bear. It is dangerous and against the law.