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