Black Bear Spotted In Passaic County Town, Police Say

HAWTHORNE, NJ — Police in Hawthorne Township alerted residents on Wednesday afternoon of a black bear wandering through town, and asked people not to approach or try to frighten it.

The animal was spotted in the vicinity of Cider Mill Road and Goffle Hill Road, officers said as they continue to monitor the bear's movement. The bear was last seen headed west towards wooded areas, police said around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

"For your safety and the safety of the bear, please do not approach or attempt to scare it," officers said. "It is important to give the bear space and allow it to continue its natural migration."

Police had not posted another update as of 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

"We urge residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions, especially if you reside near the vicinity of wooded areas," Hawthorne Police continued.

Anyone with concerns, or who sees the bear, is asked to call their local police; Hawthorne PD is at 973-427-1800.

There have been black bear sightings in all 21 counties in New Jersey, but the population is mostly concentrated to the northwestern part of the state, officials have said. Bears are most commonly seen in Morris, Sussex, Warren and northern Passaic counties, as well as portions of Hunterdon, Somerset and Bergen counties.

NJ Fish and Wildlife, part of the Department of Environmental Protection, offer tips for residents to stay safe around the largest mammals in the state, and avoid luring them near residences and places where people congregate.

Here are some tips to minimize interactions with black bears from the Department of Environmental Protection.

• Get rid of food sources outside, including food scraps, utensils, and bowls. Clean outdoor grills securely to remove food and grease, and store them securely.
• Only feed birds during the day, and bring feeders inside at night. Clean up spilled seeds and shells every day.
• Secure trash in bear-resistant cans if possible. Make sure garbage is in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Place trash cans along the inside walls of your garage, or in the basement, a sturdy shed or other secure area.
• Put garbage cans outside only on collection day, and wash them frequently with a disinfectant solution to remove odors.
• Keep meat, dairy, and sweet foods out of your compost pile.
• Remove any fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard

If you encounter a black bear on your property or while outside, here is what the DEP recommends to stay safest:

• Remain calm. Do not run, as this may trigger the bear's instinct to chase.
• Make the bear aware of your presence by making noise. Leave an escape route for the bear. If the bear does not leave, slowly back away and do not make eye contact.
• If the bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to catch your scent or get a better view of you.
• If the bear approaches, stand your ground and be assertive. Make yourself look big by waving your arms. Stay together as a group. Toss rocks or sticks.
• The bear may "bluff charge" when cornered, threatened, or trying to steal food. Stand your ground and continue to back away, avoiding eye contact
• If a black bear does attack, fight back. Do not play dead.

Additionally, the DEP suggests that families who live in bear-dense areas should have a “Bear Plan” in place for children, with an escape route and planned use of whistles and air horns.