Bears Have Killed In NJ. These Mahwah Teens Found A Way To Protect Kids

MAHWAH, NJ — Black bear encounters have been increasing in Mahwah, say local school officials, leading to safety concerns, property damage, and anxiety among residents.

Black bears usually stay away from humans, but have killed before in the Garden State. As recently as last year, a bear "trapped" a woman and child near South Mountain Reservation in Essex County and was killed by police.

According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, black bears are now found in all the state’s 21 counties.

That's why Mahwah High School students decided to raise awareness about how to react when a bear appears, trying to educate children and reduce the risks.

Sophomores Katherine Jedynak and Mary Eggers wrote and self-published a book, "The Adventures of Bergen the Bear," which follows a young bear on his adventure to find mama bear.

The book is the centerpiece of a project that won first place in the senior division at the State Future Problem Solving Bowl in March. The students will compete in Bloomington, Ind., for the international-level competition in June.

Throughout his journey, "Bergen the Bear" interacts with and teaches people how to become more “bear aware.”

Sophomore Riley Kim illustrated the bear’s travels with bright and educational drawings.

At the end of the cub’s story, the students list safety tips to remember in the event of a bear encounter – such as not running from a bear and not leaving garbage bins out.

The book also features a QR code that takes readers to a Bergen Bundle lesson plan that provides more ways to teach children to be bear aware.

The students completed the book, which can be purchased on Amazon, as part of the MHS Community Problem Solving (CmPS) course. It is part of Project Bear Aware, a plan to increase public awareness of bear safety and better prepare the public for a black bear encounter.

Gifted Program Helps Address Challenges In Society

The CmPS course is open to students in grades 10 through 12 who are in the school’s gifted and talented program.

They identify problems, brainstorm solutions and develop an action plan to solve an issue that currently exists in their local, state or global community.

“We are very proud of our students and the book they have created,” said Justin Saptuski, CmPS teacher and coach. “Their exceptional work and dedication to educating the public about bear safety has been wonderful to witness.”

Event Coming Up

"The Adventures of Bergen the Bear" will be featured at Mahwah’s annual Visual/Performing Arts and Integrated Design Exhibition from 7-9 p.m. May 30 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 31.

More than 200 community members attended last year’s event to see original student created artwork, woodworking items, digital media projects, the school’s award-winning Calliope Literary Magazine, technology and engineering projects, and live music performed by the MHS award-winning jazz band and orchestras.

School staff said, "The exhibition was the reason MHS recently was selected as a 2024-25 STEM School of Excellence by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association. The school highlighted the exhibition for the ITEEA’s rigorous application process."

Students involved in the class include Kent Chiyoma, Albert Wen, Vanessa Pavlou, Davan Strommer, Katherine Jedynak, Rithikka Eneya, Jeane Chun, and Chiara Mirante.