Bear Sighted Near Princeton Border

A bear was sighted Thursday morning on the Bristol-Myers Squibb campus off Route 206 near the Princeton Border, according to Lawrence Township officials. 

In addition, the Lawrence Township Health Department reports two bear signtings over the past few days. Both were in the area of Carter Road and Route 206/Lawrence Road.

In a release from the Lawrence Township Health Department, officials remind residents to take precautions as recommended by the State Division of Fish and Wildlife. Please see the attached link for information regarding black bears and measures to take to avoid problems with them.

Residents are reminded of the following precautions if a black bear is sighted:

• If you encounter a bear, remain calm and do not run. Make sure the bear has an escape route. Avoid direct eye contact, back up slowly and speak with a low, assertive voice.
• Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear should attack, fight back. Do not play dead.
• Report bear damage, nuisance behavior or aggressive bears to the Wildlife Control Unit of the D.E.P.’s Division of Fish and Wildlife at (908) 735-8793. During evenings and weekends, residents should call the local police or the NJDEP hotline at (877)WARN DEP.

To learn more about black bears visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearinfo.htm or view this fact sheet.