FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2022
Contact:
Caryn Shinske (609) 984-1795
Lawrence Hajna (609) 984-1795
(22/P041) TRENTON – Residents and outdoor enthusiasts throughout New Jersey are encouraged to strictly adhere to guidelines for eliminating or securing potential food sources for black bears as they actively forage for food in preparation for the winter denning season, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced today.
People who live in or visit areas of New Jersey where bears are active should be alert to the presence of bears and take steps to avoid interactions with them. Property owners, hikers and campers can reduce the likelihood of attracting bears if they diligently bear-proof residences and camps by removing or properly securing any potential food sources.
“Black bears are preparing to den up for the winter season and need to consume substantial amounts of food in the fall,” DEP Fish and Wildlife Assistant Commissioner David Golden said. “If you live in or visit areas frequented by bears, it is important to ensure they will not find food near your homes, as bears will naturally take advantage of easy meals by searching through unsecured garbage cans and commercial trash bins or raiding bird feeders.”
Most of New Jersey's black bears live in the northwest portion of the state, particularly Morris, Sussex, Warren and northern Passaic counties, and portions of Hunterdon, Somerset and Bergen counties. However, black bears have been sighted in all of New Jersey’s 21 counties.
In FY22, the Murphy Administration earmarked $1.5 million for the DEP to expand non-lethal management methods for black bears, which has enabled DEP to significantly increase public education and outreach efforts, including the development and implementation of a statewide multimedia outreach campaign. That funding level has also been maintained for FY23. The campaign included bilingual advertisements using social media, search, digital, video, streaming radio, public service announcements and email blasts on multiple platforms and devices. It also included a redesign of the black bear web pages on the DEP Fish and Wildlife website, making it easier for people to find important information about bears. DEP Fish and Wildlife plans to continue the successful digital campaign.
In addition, DEP Fish and Wildlife is finalizing the hire of a program specialist to further educate the public about black bears in New Jersey and how to avoid conflicts with them. The specialist will work directly with municipalities to provide guidance for reducing human-bear interactions and assist with developing a comprehensive program addressing how to manage garbage and reduce its attraction to bears as a potential food source.
It is critically important for people to never feed black bears. Bears attracted to neighborhoods may learn to associate people with food. These animals may then become nuisance bears that cause property damage, seek handouts from people or become dangerous. Intentionally feeding bears is illegal in New Jersey and carries a fine of up to $1,000.
The DEP offers the following tips for property owners to minimize conflicts with bears:
If you encounter a black bear in your neighborhood or outdoors while hiking or camping, follow these safety tips:
Report black bear damage or aggressive bears to your local police department or to Fish & Wildlife by calling 1-(877) WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).
For more information about black bears in New Jersey, visit www.dep.nj.gov/njfw/bears/
Like DEP Fish and Wildlife’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NewJerseyFishandWildlife
Follow DEP Fish and Wildlife on Instagram @newjerseyfishandwildlife
Follow Commissioner LaTourette on Twitter and Instagram @shawnlatur and follow the DEP on Twitter @NewJerseyDEP, Facebook @newjerseydep, Instagram @nj.dep and LinkedIn @newjerseydep