Hungry Bears of N.J. Beware, New Bill Puts Lid on Feeding: Report

A new bill proposed in New Jersey hopes to send hungry bears packing before they can even reach last nights dinner scraps, but it may come at a price.

The measure, approved by the state Senate’s economic committee this week, would require residents who reside in municipalities frequented by black bears to keep their waste and food storage locked up tight or face a fine.

“[The measure] requires use of bear-resistant containers, dumpsters, or food boxes in certain areas located in black bear habitat under certain circumstances, including garbage collection, and prohibits certain actions that would result in feeding of black bears,” according to the measure’s synopsis.

Intentional baiting practices would also be banned in those areas. Exempt from the ban would be agricultural operations that inadvertently lead to bear feedings.

The Fines?

• First offense -$50
• Second offense -$50 to $250
• Anything after second offense - $250 to $1,000
  

“Food is the biggest factor when bears are drawn to residential communities or businesses,” state Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union), the main sponsor of the legislation said according to nj.com. “Our waste is their food. They come to eat, but it brings them too close to people. Eliminating the attraction will reduce the risks, making it safer for humans and the bears.”

According to reports, Lesniak said the bill could help do away with New Jersey’s annual bear hunt, a controversial program that some call cruel and others, a necessity.

To become law, the measure still needs to be passed by the full state Senate, the full state Assembly, and a signature from the governor.