Large Bear Spotted In Madison Neighborhood, Police Warn

MADISON, NJ — A large bear was seen in a resident's backyard early this morning on Lorraine Road, according to police.

The Madison Police Department has been notified, and Animal Control is on its way. According to a police statement posted on Facebook, the bear is sitting in the backyard and poses no threat.

If you see the bear, remain cautious and contact police, officials said.

Black bears by nature tend to be wary of people. However, if you encounter a black bear in your neighborhood or outdoors while hiking or camping, follow these common-sense safety tips, according to the NJDEP:

• Do not feed bears!
• Never feed or approach a bear!
• Remain calm if you encounter a bear. Do not run from it; running may trigger a chase response.
• If you encounter a bear that is feeding, do not approach it and slowly back away. A bear on a food source will aggressively defend it.
• From a safe distance, make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises.
• Make sure the bear has an escape route.
• If a bear enters your home, provide it with an escape route by propping all doors open.
• Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. Never run from a bear. Instead, slowly back away.
• To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans or using an airhorn. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.
• The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping jaw 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.
• Pairs or groups of people should stay together and perform these actions as a unit when they encounter a bear; do not separate and do not move in different directions.
• If the bear does not 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.)