Dear Princeton Residents, Please "Bear" With Us

Black bears may be cute, fuzzy and fascinating to watch as they traipse through Princeton, but officials say these are still dangerous creates. 

A black bear was spotted in Montgomery Township last week moved into Princeton on Thursday, near Arreton Road and Route 206 shortly before 9 p.m., according to Princeton Police.  

On Saturday, there were bear sightings reported in the 200 block of Mount Lucas Road, the 900 block of Stuart Road, on Ross Stevenson Circle and near the intersection of Valley Road and Terhune Road. Around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday, a black bear was spotted roaming through the Princeton University campus. 

It's believed there are three different bears that have been spotted around town. Princeton Animal Control Officer Mark Johnson said he thinks nearly all the sightings were of same bear, which has already been tagged with a metal identifier. 

The two bears spotted on Stuart Road were different- a mother and a juvenile walking around a backyard, he said. 

There have been no reports of the animals becoming aggressive towards humans, he said.

"I go over and verify that it's a valid complaint and basically make sure people are staying away because everyone wants to take a picture," Johnson said. "We've got to keep the public safe."

Bear sightings shouldn't be a surprise this time of year, as the creatures have emerged from hibernation and are searching for mates and new territory.

There are no plans to capture the bears wandering around Princeton unless they become a nuisance or a danger, Johnson said, adding that bears typically travel most in June and July. 

Instead, the plan is to monitor the bear's movements and stay out of its way. 

Johnson advises residents to remain vigilant, keep garbage bins and bird-feeders inside and above all, not to feed the bears. 

"If it gets used to humans, it's a dead bear," Johnson said.

Last summer, Princeton was enthralled with a black bear that rumbled through town, spotted at the Princeton Cemetery, in backyards, at PNC bank in the Princeton Shopping Center, and even along Nassau Street downtown. 

If you see a bear, please contact Princeton Police at 609-921-2100.