Property Owners Reminded to Secure Trash and Other Potential Food Sources as Black Bears Enter Fall Feeding Period

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish & Wildlife Division reminds property owners and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the state to take steps to reduce potential encounters with black bears this fall by properly managing trash and reducing other potential food sources around their properties or while outdoors.

Black bears are entering into a period of increased feeding activity in preparation for the winter denning season.

While we have  been fortunate that there have been no reported bear sightings in town this year, it is still very important to prevent opportunities causing them to associate people with possible food sources should they wander into town looking for food.  Unsecured trash, pet food bowls, easy-to-reach bird feeders, or even food residue on your barbeque grill, are all easy meals for bears that might encourage them to become habituated to an area,  seek handouts or even become aggressive.

While most of New Jersey's black bears live in the northwestern portion of the state, as well as portions of Hunterdon, Somerset, and Bergen counties, they have been regularly seen in Ewing over the years.

Throughout the fall, as they prepare to hibernate for winter, black bears need to consume large amounts of food to bolster their fat reserves. They are omnivorous, opportunistic feeders and will consume whatever food is available.  While their natural diet is comprised of plants, berries, fruit, nuts, insects, bird eggs, small mammals, and carrion. Their main source of unnatural food is garbage. Intentionally feeding bears is illegal in New Jersey and carries a fine of up to $1,000. 

Tips to minimize potential conflicts

• Do not put out garbage until the morning of collection.  Black bears have an extremely keen sense of smell and can detect the odors of potential food sources up to two miles away.  They also have enough good memory to return to a favored site. 
• Store all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids and place them along the inside walls of your garage, or in the basement, a sturdy shed or other secure area.  If you have had a problem, use certified bear-resistant garbage containers.
• Wash garbage containers frequently with a disinfectant solution to remove odors.
• Avoid feeding birds when bears are active. If you choose to feed birds, do so during daylight hours only and bring feeders indoors at night. Suspend birdfeeders from a free-hanging wire, making sure they are at least 10 feet off the ground. Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
• Immediately remove all uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors.
• Clean outdoor grills and utensils to remove food and grease residue. Store grills securely.
• Do not place meat or any sweet foods in compost piles.
• Remove fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard.

Outdoor enthusiasts:

• Always let friends or family members know where you plan to be and when you plan to return.
• Hike during daylight hours and stay on the trail. Look for bear signs such as tracks, scat, and claw marks.
• Alert bears to your presence with normal trail noise, which should prompt them to leave before you ever see them.
• Use caution in areas where bears are likely to venture, such as berry patches.
• Avoid hiking with pets. If you choose to bring your dog, make sure it is always leashed.
• Stay in a group and keep children close when hiking with others.
• Never leave fish entrails on shorelines of lakes, ponds, or streams. Sink entrails in deep water.

If you encounter a black bear, follow these safety tips:

• Remain calm. Never run from a bear, as this may trigger its predatory instinct. Instead, slowly back away. Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. Make sure the bear has an escape route.
• To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, using a whistle, banging pots and pans, or blowing an air horn. 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.
• Make bears aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises. If hiking through bear country, always make your presence known through loud talking or clapping of hands.
• If a bear utters a series of huffs, makes popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws or swats the ground, these are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away and avoid direct eye contact. 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. This is usually a non-threatening behavior.
• Black bears will sometimes "bluff charge" when cornered, threatened, or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, slowly back away and do not run.
• If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area, such as a vehicle or a building.
• 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.

Report black bear damage or aggressive bears to your local police department or to Fish & Wildlife by calling the DEP hotline at 877-WARNDEP (877-927-6337).