Bear Seen Roaming Through Mendham: Here's What To Do

MENDHAM, NJ — A bear was spotted roaming through Mendham this week, making an unexpected appearance ahead of spring.

Although it’s still winter, recent bear sightings have been reported in Mendham, with residents posting pictures of the animals roaming through neighborhoods on social media.

The sightings may not be cause for concern, as the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection explains that black bears don’t enter full hibernation. Instead, they enter a state of torpor, where their heart rate and body temperature drop slightly.

Unlike true hibernators, black bears can be easily awakened. On mild winter days, they may leave their dens in search of food.

In fact, there have already been 16 reported incidents of bear-related damage and nuisance activity this year, according to the DEP.

Most of New Jersey’s black bears are found in the northwest region, especially in Morris, Sussex, Warren, and northern Passaic counties, along with parts of Hunterdon, Somerset, and Bergen counties. However, bear sightings have been reported in all 21 counties across the state.

While bear sightings may provide exciting photo opportunities, it’s important to stay safe around these animals.

As bear activity increases with the approach of spring, the Division of Fish and Wildlife has shared essential safety tips for handling bear encounters:

• Never feed or approach a bear!
• Remain calm if you encounter a bear. Do not run from it.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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!

To report black bear sightings, damage, or nuisance activity, call the DEP's 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 877-927-6337.