Watch For Bears As Weather Warms In Livingston (See Safety Tips)

LIVINGSTON, NJ — With the spring weather warming up, it’s time to refresh yourself about what to do if you cross paths with a bear, Livingston public safety officials say.

The Livingston Police Department recently released a reminder about bear behavior, noting that local sightings can be reported to the LPD by calling 973-992-3000.

The following information comes courtesy of the Township of Livingston:

As the weather warms, the Livingston Police Department (LPD) reminds residents that black bear sightings and encounters may occur at this time of year. Although they are not typically aggressive animals and tend to be wary of people, a bear may engage in “posturing” — stomping, hissing, huffing, swatting the ground, swaying its head, popping its jaw, bluff charging — to intimidate other animals or people when it feels threatened.

Black bears in New Jersey have continued to adapt to living in closer proximity to people and to human development. Bears are learning to take advantage of human-derived food sources and to associate people with food. Unfortunately, this can lead to bears becoming bold and losing their natural fear of humans.

The Livingston Police Department works closely with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and receives updates on current policies and procedures for enforcement and for protecting both people and the animals.

Current policy upon receiving a call of a bear sighting is to monitor the bear’s movement, which is done through update calls from residents. There are only four situations in which any action is required: those are when a bear:

• poses a danger to the public
• becomes trapped in a tree
• is injured
• is near a school in session

Should any of these conditions exist, the Livingston Police Department will respond and notify the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, which will then respond and help relocate the bear.

Although black bears are seemingly new to our community, they have been indigenous to this area and have been coexisting with humans in many areas of North Jersey for many years.

“If you see a bear and none of the four conditions that require action exist — it’s not posing a danger to the public, it’s not trapped in a tree, it’s not injured, and it’s not near a school in session — do not make eye contact, and leave the area to allow the bear to continue on its way,” stated LPD Captain Russell Mueller. “Also, keep in mind that when they’re frightened, bears may try to protect themselves by climbing trees.”

The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife offer some additional tips to avoid conflicts with bears:

• Secure your trash and eliminate obvious sources of food, such as pet food on decks, easy-to-reach bird feeders, or food residue left in barbeque grills
• Wash garbage containers frequently with disinfectant solution to remove odors. Store all garbage containers with tight-fitting lids either in a shed, a garage, or another secure area.
• Remove fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard.

“If you come across a black bear that’s standing its ground, stay calm, stay facing the bear but do not make eye contact; make yourself look as big as you can by standing up straight and spreading your arms, and never run,” continued Mueller. “Remember, the bear is probably more afraid of you than you are of him. Make sure the bear has an escape route, avoid direct eye contact, back up slowly, and speak with a low, assertive but non-threatening voice.”

More Information

Residents are reminded never to approach a bear, and that feeding bears is illegal and dangerous. However, local bear sightings should be reported to the Livingston Police Department by dialing 973-992-3000. State laws prohibit relocating or interfering with wildlife unless the animal presents a clear and present danger.

Additional information and facts about the black bear and about finding injured or young wildlife can be accessed at njfishandwildlife.com.

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