Officials Issue Warning After Black Bear Follows Child, 7, at N.J. State Forest

After a pair of hikers – one of them a 7 year-old child – was followed “closely” by a black bear at a New Jersey State Park, officials are issuing a warning to residents and offering tips on what to do if one encounters the wild animal.

The Department of Environmental Protection issued a statement after recent “bear-human interaction” at Ramapo Mountain State Forest in Bergen County. The pair of hikers, including the child, were followed by a potentially “aggressive black bear,” the statement said.

A third park visitor also came within close proximity of the same bear, officials said, and stopped about 15 feet from the man and his dog. The bear then paced for several minutes before backing away, the hiker told officials.

Both encounters occurred along the white trail at the state forest, which was temporarily closed after the incidents were reported.

Other trails or portions of the park, which straddle Passaic and Bergen counties north of Route 287, were being closely monitored by park officials.

“The DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife tracked the bear for some distance late that afternoon, but its current whereabouts are not known,” the statement read. “A culvert trap was set and State Parks Police and Division of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Officers continue to closely monitoring the area.”

“Most encounters result with the bear running away but if it doesn’t leave, use common sense and never approach the bear,” officials said. “Do not attempt to take selfies with your phone camera.”

Tips from the DEP include:

• Never feed or approach a bear.
• Make your presence on the trail known by speaking loudly, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises.
• Remain calm if you encounter a bear. DO NOT RUN FROM IT. Do not make direct eye contact with the bear, as this may be perceived as a challenge. SLOWLY BACK AWAY.
• Make sure the bear has an escape route.
• If the bear continues to follow you or is otherwise undeterred, make loud noises by yelling, blow a whistle, bang pots and pans, or use an air horn, if available. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Black bear attacks are extremely rare. However, if one does attack, fight back. Do not “play dead.”
• In addition, families who live in areas frequented by black bears should have a “Bear Plan” in place for children, with an escape route and planned use.