Bear Sightings Reported In Several South Brunswick Neighborhoods. What To Know:

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - On Friday, multiple bear sightings were reported across South Brunswick, officials said.

Sightings of bears were reported on Avenue F (Near Finnegans Lane / Brunswick Acres), Kyle Road, and Ridge Road / Route 1.

According to officials, this is the time of year when black bears can typically be reported traveling through the community.

Black bears reside in all 21 counties of New Jersey. Most bears avoid human contact and live in wooded areas away from residential neighborhoods.

"Within our community, most bear sightings are while they are moving from one area to another through natural wooded corridors. So if you see a bear in South Brunswick, it’s usually one bear moving through the wooded areas between neighborhoods," officials said.

To report a nuisance black bear, call the DEP's 24-hour, toll-free hotline: 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).

Call 911 if:

• There is an immediate threat to humans
• The bear is a nuisance
• The bear attacks a pet

Remember:

• Never Feed the bears
• Never instigate the bears by cornering them or throwing objects at them.
• Cover garbage cans with a secure lid
• Avoid bird feeders during bear season
• Immediately remove all uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors.
• If you encounter a bear remain calm and do not run. Make sure the bear has an escape route.
• Avoid direct eye contact and back up slowly.

If unsure about whether police response is necessary, call the South Brunswick Police Department’s non-emergency phone number, 732-329-4646.

Additional information can be found on the NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife website NJDEP| Fish & Wildlife | Bears