NJ Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is reminding the public of increased bear activity ahead of winter denning. Fall brings increased black bear activity as bears prepare for winter denning by consuming large quantities of food. DEP urges the public to decrease their exposure to black bears by securing trash receptacles and reducing access to other food sources around their yards and while outdoors.  

Black bears are attracted to areas where they associate people with food. In turn, they can cause property damage and become dangerous to people and pets. Intentionally feeding bears is illegal in New Jersey and carries a fine of up to $1,000.

Most of the black bear population is found in 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.

Black bears can consume more than 20,000 calories per day to bolster their reserves for denning. Their diet mostly consists of plants, berries, fruit, nuts, insects, bird eggs, small mammals, and carrion.

To minimize potential exposure to black bears, NJ Fish and Wildlife recommends:  

• Secure trash and eliminate sources of food such as pet food bowls, easy-to-reach bird feeders, or food residue left on barbecue grills. 
• Store all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids and place them in a 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. 
• Immediately remove all uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors.
• Clean outdoor grills and utensils, and 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.

If you encounter a black bear, follow these safety tips:

• Remain calm. Never run from a bear and 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 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 attacks, fight back.
• Report black bear damage or aggressive bears to your local police department or to DEP Fish & Wildlife by calling 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337).

For more information on black bears, please visit the DEP Fish & Wildlife page.   

We encourage you to share this information with your community.