Black Bear Information

Black Bears on the Hunt for Food; Don't Feed Them - DEP NEWS RELEASE

Black bears are venturing close to homes looking for food.  Feeding bears can lead to a penalty of up to $1,000 for each offense.  Visit www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearfacts.htm for more information.  Below are just a few steps you can take to avoid attracting bears:

                Use bear-proof garbage containers

                Put garbage out the day of collection not the night before

                Wash garbage containers with disinfectant solution at least once a week to remove odors

                Feed dogs/cats outside during daylight hours only.  Immediately after feeding, remove all  bowls

                Clean outdoor grills thoroughly after each use

                Do not place meat or sweet foods in compost pile

                Only feed birds between December 1st and April 1st when bears are least active

Report all bear damage or nuisance behavior to your local police department or the New Jersey Department of Environmental Division of Fish and Wildlife at (908) 735-8793