Black Bear Spotted Running Around This NJ Neighborhood

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — On Monday, a black bear was spotted running around several residential neighborhoods in Hamilton Township.

The township has sent out a public safety alert asking residents to remain cautious. The Township’s Animal Control Officers were tasked with monitoring the situation and attempting to track the bear’s movements.

The bear was last seen in the area of Quakerbridge Road between Flock Road and Hughes Drive and has not exhibited aggressive behavior.

Officials said that hungry black bears have recently come out of hibernation and are out searching for food.

"Black bears are attracted by odors from potential food sources created by people," local officials said. "Residents can take simple, practical precautions to avoid attracting black bears and to discourage the animals from becoming a nuisance by visiting NJDEP's website."

By nature, black bears tend to be wary of people.

“We understand this may be alarming for residents, but black bears are generally shy and will avoid human interaction. We have posted information on our website and social media platforms to ensure that the public knows what to do if they encounter a black bear and urge residents to keep their distance,” Mayor Jeff Martin said.

If residents encounter a black bear in their neighborhood or outdoors, here are some common-sense safety tips:

DON'T

• Do not feed bears.
• Do not approach bears. Especially feeding bears, which will aggressively defend their food.
• Do not run from bears. Running may trigger a chase response.
• Do not make direct eye contact. Bears may perceive this as a challenge.

Do

• Remain calm and slowly back away.
• Make the bear aware of you.
• Be loud: speak in an assertive voice, yell, sing, or clap your hands. If available, bang pots and pans or use an air horn.
• Make yourself look big. Wave your arms. Hold your jacket above your head.
• If you’re in a group, stay together and perform these actions together.
• Make sure the bear has an escape route. If a bear enters your home, prop all the doors open.
  • If the bear doesn’t leave, move to a secure area.
• Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back! Aim for the snout and/or eyes. Use anything at hand: (knife, sticks, rocks, binoculars, backpack, or kick the bear).
• Report black bear damage or nuisance behavior to the DEP’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).

The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping sounds by snapping its jaws, and swat the ground. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact, and 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. It is usually not a threatening behavior.

Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened, or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, then slowly back away, and do not run.

Learn more about black bears and black bear safety at https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/bears.