Black Bears Spotted In 13 NJ Counties This Year As Winter Ends

NEW JERSEY — As black bears begin waking up for the spring, people in 13 New Jersey counties have already reported incidents with the big mammals in 2023.

Historically, black bears have been spotted in all of New Jersey's 21 counties, and the population has been increasing and wandering southward from the state's northwestern forests, according to wildlife officials.

Statistics from the NJ Department of Fish and Wildlife show bears have been spotted as far south as Burlington and Salem counties so far in 2023, with the number of bear incidents down compared to this point last year.

The reports include attempted home entries, bears rummaging through garbage, and three vehicle strikes. Most of the bear incidents reported up to March 21 have been in northern counties: 10 in Sussex, four in Passaic, three in Morris, and two in Warren.

State reports only include those incidents reported to the Department of Environmental Protection, not just handled by local police.

Black bear attacks are "extremely rare," said Fish and Wildlife — that's not to say they don't happen. Last May, a woman was attacked by a bear while getting her mail in Sussex County.

Earlier in 2022, two dogs were killed in January in Sparta, and an 81-year-old woman was injured in two separate bear attacks.

Last year, Gov. Phil Murphy reversed course on his promise to stop black bear hunting and approved an emergency hunting period. The re-instatement of the bear hunt was an emergency action that expired in January.

Last December, hunters killed 114 bears for a 7 percent harvest rate, which was a far cry from the state's goal of 20 percent. New Jersey had a shortened hunting season because of its late start and a legal battle with conservation groups, which cut off part of the hunting period.

State officials tallied 2,212 bear-related incidents in 2022 — 182.1 percent more than the year prior. That included 1,753 reports of damage and nuisance, which increased 203.3 percent from 2021.

The New Jersey Fish and Game Council will consider extending those regulations through May 11, 2028, officials told Patch. Related article — 4 More Years Of Bear Hunt Up For NJ Council's Consideration

If approved, New Jersey would designate two periods for bear hunting: six-day timeframes beginning on the second Monday in October and the second Monday after Thanksgiving, according to a spokesperson for the state Department of Environmental Protection, under which the council falls. That would mean approved bear hunts through 2027.

New Jersey has one documented human death from bear in state history — a 22-year-old Rutgers University student killed in 2014 while hiking in West Milford, Passaic County. But several incidents last year brought New Jersey's bears into the forefront.

NJ Fish and Wildlife, part of the Department of Environmental Protection, offer tips for residents to stay safe around the largest mammals in the state, and avoid luring them near residences and places where people congregate.

Garbage is a big attractor for black bears, who are enticed to neighborhoods by the smell of food waste.

"Residents can take simple, practical precautions to avoid attracting black bears and to discourage the animals from becoming a nuisance," said NJ Fish and Wildlife.

Here are some tips to minimize interactions with black bears from the Department of Environmental Protection.

• Get rid of food sources outside, including food scraps, utensils, and bowls. Clean outdoor grills securely to remove food and grease, and store them securely.
• Only feed birds during the day, and bring feeders inside at night. Clean up spilled seeds and shells every day.
• Secure trash in bear-resistant cans if possible. Make sure garbage is in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Place trash cans along the inside walls of your garage, or in the basement, a sturdy shed or other secure area.
• Put garbage cans outside only on collection day, and wash them frequently with a disinfectant solution to remove odors.
• Keep meat, dairy, and sweet foods out of your compost pile.
• Remove any fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard

If you encounter a black bear on your property or while outside, here is what the DEP recommends to stay safest:

• Remain calm. Do not run, as this may trigger the bear's instinct to chase.
• Make the bear aware of your presence by making noise. Leave an escape route for the bear. If the bear does not leave, slowly back away and do not make eye contact.
• If the bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to catch your scent or get a better view of you.
• If the bear approaches, stand your ground and be assertive. Make yourself look big by waving your arms. Stay together as a group. Toss rocks or sticks.
• The bear may "bluff charge" when cornered, threatened, or trying to steal food. Stand your ground and continue to back away, avoiding eye contact
• If a black bear does attack, fight back. Do not play dead.

Additionally, the DEP suggests that families who live in bear-dense areas should have a “Bear Plan” in place for children, with an escape route and planned use of whistles and air horns.

This story contains reporting by Patch's Josh Bakan.