Bears Are Popping Up In Chatham. Here's What Do Do

CHATHAM, NJ - Reported bear activity in New Jersey has tripled this year, and they're not done yet. State officials advised that this part of the year marks an active period for black bears as they forage for food and prepare for hibernation.

In fact, there was another bear sighted in Chatham as recently as Sunday, according to the Chatham Township Police.

"Bear sighting in the area of Ormont and Henry," police said. "Bear is reported to be non-aggressive at this time."

In a message to the community, the Chatham Township Police noted that black bears by nature tend to be wary of people, but offered a few safety tips:

• Do not feed bears
• Never feed or approach a bear
• Remain calm if you encounter a bear. Do not run from it.

Bear sightings and nuisance reports have surged in the first full year since Gov. Phil Murphy ended New Jersey's bear hunt, which has prompted criticism from hunting advocates. Murphy said the 2020 hunt would be the last under his administration, suspending the annual hunting period last year.

This year, state officials have logged 1,971 bear incidents — 433 sightings and 1,538 reports of damage and nuisance. During that timeframe in 2021 (Jan. 1 to Oct. 21), the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection tallied 647 incidents, including 190 sightings and 457 damage-and-nuisance reports. (The state's bear activity reports include sightings and complaints relayed to the DEP. The reports don't include incidents handled by police without DEP assistance.)

"Black bears are preparing to den up for the winter season and need to consume substantial amounts of food in the fall," said DEP Fish and Wildlife Assistant Commissioner David Golden. "If you live in or visit areas frequented by bears, it is important to ensure they will not find food near your homes, as bears will naturally take advantage of easy meals by searching through unsecured garbage cans and commercial trash bins or raiding bird feeders."

Black bears have been sighted in all 21 New Jersey counties. But state officials say most of the bears live in New Jersey's northwestern portion, particularly in Morris, Sussex, Warren and northern Passaic Counties, along with portions of Hunterdon, Somerset and Bergen Counties.

Morris County had 103 incidents in 2021 and 411 this year.