Black Bear Spotted Near Autumn Hill Road In Princeton

PRINCETON, NJ - A black bear was seen in the area of Autumn Hill Road on Tuesday night.

Residents have been advised to avoid any contact with the bear if they see it.

They can call the Princeton Police Department at 609-921-2100 in regards to its whereabouts.

Do not try and feed or go near the bear.

For residents who encounter a black bear in their neighborhood or outdoors, here are some common-sense safety tips:

DON'T

• Do not feed bears.
• Do not approach bears. Especially feeding bears, which will aggressively defend their food.
• Do not run from bears. Running may trigger a chase response.
• Do not make direct eye contact. Bears may perceive this as a challenge.

Do

• Remain calm and slowly back away.
• Make the bear aware of you.
• Be loud: speak in an assertive voice, yell, sing, or clap your hands. If available, bang pots and pans or use an air horn.
• Make yourself look big. Wave your arms. Hold your jacket above your head.
• If you’re in a group, stay together and perform these actions together.
• Make sure the bear has an escape route. If a bear enters your home, prop all the doors open.
  • If the bear doesn’t 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)