Passaic Co. Property Owner Fatally Shoots Bear Who Killed Goat: DEP

RINGWOOD, NJ — A North Jersey property owner killed a black bear that was trying to get into his barn after the bear had fatally attacked one of his animals, said wildlife officials.

The bear went onto the man's Ringwood property on Thursday and killed a goat before returning on Friday, according to the state Department of Environmental Protection, which oversees New Jersey Fish and Wildlife. A DEP spokesperson said the bear displayed "aggressive behavior" as it tried to go to the barn, and the man shot and killed it.

After investigating, Fish & Wildlife Conservation Police Officers did not issue any violation to the property owner, as the bear was "exhibiting Category One behavior." This is the classification that Fish and Wildlife uses for bears that may be an immediate threat to human safety or that cause agricultural or property damage.

Since the 1980s, the Garden State's black bear population has been increasing and expanding its range both southward and eastward from the forested areas of northwestern New Jersey.

Within the most densely populated state in the nation, black bears are thriving and there are now confirmed bear sightings in all 21 of New Jersey's counties, the NJDFW states on its website. The population is highest in Sussex, Warren, Passaic and Morris counties.

"The most common bear problem New Jersey's residents experience is black bears getting into their garbage," state officials say. "Bears are attracted to neighborhoods by garbage odors, so properly securing your garbage is one of the best ways to prevent bears from becoming a nuisance in your community."

Residents can report bear damage, nuisance behavior or aggressive bears to the Wildlife Control Unit of the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife at (908) 735-8793. During evenings and weekends, residents should call their local police department or the DEP Hotline at 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337).

Here are some bear safety tips from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection:

• Never feed or approach a bear!
• Remain calm if you encounter a bear. Do not run from it.
• Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises.
• Make sure the bear has an escape route.
• If a bear enters your home, provide it with an escape route by propping all doors open.
• To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans, or using an airhorn. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.
• The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws and swat the ground. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact, and do not run.
• If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. It is usually not a threatening behavior.
• Black bears will sometimes "bluff charge" when cornered, threatened, or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, then slowly back away and do not run.
• If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area.
• Report black bear damage or nuisance behavior to the DEP's 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).
• Families who live in areas frequented by black bears should have a "Bear Plan" in place for children, with an escape route and planned use of whistles and air horns.
• Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back!