Be Deer and Bear Aware This Autumn Season

We share information from the NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife, and the NJ DOT about taking special care this autumn with regard to two of NJ’s most notable wildlife species, the black bear and the white-tailed deer. 

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)

First, please be extra vigilant on roadways this fall as the annual rut, or mating season, for white-tailed deer gets underway and daylight is limited during peak commuting hours,

At this time of year, deer are more likely to suddenly enter roadways as bucks pursue does, increasing the risk for drivers to stop suddenly or be involved in collisions. Deer activity is more likely to occur during early morning hours and around sunset, when visibility may be limited, and more motorists are on their work commutes.

“Most of the thousands of collisions that deer have with motor vehicles in New Jersey every year occur during the fall mating season,” Department of Environmental Protection Assistant Commissioner for Fish & Wildlife David Golden said.  Peak mating season for deer in New Jersey runs from late October to mid-December.

Awareness to the presence of deer will become even more important when daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3. This means that many commutes will then align with the time when deer are most active, and lighting conditions may be the most difficult for driving. Reduced lighting as well as sun glare can make it very difficult for drivers to see deer that are about to cross the road.

These tips can help drivers stay safe during peak periods of the annual fall rut:

• Slow down if you see a deer and then watch for sudden movement. If the deer is in the road and doesn’t move, wait for the deer to cross and the road is clear. Do not try to drive around the deer.
• Watch for “Deer Crossing” signs. Drive slower when traveling through areas known to have a high concentration of deer so there is enough time to stop, if necessary.
• Use high beams during dark periods if there is no oncoming traffic or vehicles ahead. High beams will be reflected by the eyes of deer on or near roads.
• If you see one deer, assume that others may be in the area.
• Don’t tailgate. The driver ahead might have to stop suddenly to avoid colliding with a deer.
• Always wear a seatbelt, as required by law. Drive at a safe and sensible speed, following the speed limit, factoring for weather, available lighting, traffic, curves and other road conditions.
• Do not swerve to avoid impact if a collision appears inevitable; a deer may counter-maneuver suddenly. Brake appropriately and stay in your lane. Collisions are more likely to become fatal when a driver swerves to avoid a deer and instead collides with oncoming traffic or a fixed structure along the road.
• Report any deer-vehicle collision to a local law enforcement agency immediately.
• Obey the state’s hands-free device law or refrain from using cellular devices while driving.

American Black Bears (Ursus americanus)

Next, we recycle this warning from the New Jersey DEP Fish & Wildlife Division to remind 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.

It is very important to prevent opportunities causing them to associate people with possible food sources should they wander into town looking for additional food sources.  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). For more information about black bears in New Jersey and to obtain bear safety publications or schedule a free bear education seminar, visit dep.nj.gov/njfw/bears/.

We urge everyone to use special care about these twin hazards to stay aware and be safe this autumn.

Twin haza