It's Bear Season In Jefferson

‘Tis the season for black bears in Jefferson. Many of you have seen them already, we’re sure, and if you haven’t, you will soon. While they are great to look at, and really kinda cute (at least we think so), you don’t want to get too up close and personal with a bear. So now is as good a time as any to bone up on your knowledge on what and what not to do should you see a bear snacking on a slice of pizza at or withdrawing from your bank account at in the near future:

1. You Need to Know Not to Feed Bears: Black bears learn very quickly and those that come to associate food with people may become aggressive, and thereby dangerous.
2. You Need to Know to Take Down Bird Feeders in the Summer Months: If you feed cats or dogs outside, only do so during the day, and take the food and containers inside at night. 
3. You Need to Know About Garbage: Store your garbage in airtight containers, in an area away from doors to the garage or basement. Wash trash containers weekly with a disinfectant solution to remove food odors. This also can help with our area's far more ubiquitous hungry/curious deer situation.
4. You Need to Know About Being Chill: If you see a bear, remain calm and keep your distance. Alert the bear to your presence by clapping or talking. If the bear does not leave, slowly back away, avoiding eye contact. From a distance, bang pots or use an air horn to scare the bear away. 
5. You Need to Know When Enough's Enough: If a bear becomes a constant nuisance or is responsible for continued damage problems, contact the NJ Department of Environmental Protection hotline at 877-WARN DEP (877-927-6337).

On a side note: If you have photos of a black bear in your neck of the woods, send them our way. We'd love to put them up on the site.