North Jersey Police Warn of Increased Black Bear Sightings as Summer Begins

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Midland Park NJ,  Black bear sightings are on the rise across North Jersey as police departments and municipalities take to social media to alert residents of bear activity. As warmer weather settles in, wildlife experts say it’s prime time for black bear movement, especially in suburban neighborhoods.

📅 Peak Bear Activity in New Jersey

According to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, black bears are most active during three key periods:

• Spring – when they emerge from hibernation and begin foraging

• Summer – their breeding season

• Fall – when they prepare for the winter den cycle

Although sightings are reportedly down overall in 2025, recent warm weather has brought a wave of bear activity across Bergen, Passaic, Morris, and Essex counties.

🚨 Recent North Jersey Bear Sightings

Here are a few notable incidents reported by local police:

• Midland Park Police (June 4): Warned residents via Facebook about multiple black bear cub sightings near Paterson Avenue by the train tracks. Police are actively monitoring the cub’s movements.

• Ridgewood Police (June 4th) received reports of a black bear roaming around the west side of town (Ridge and Willard school areas).

• Norwood Police (June 4): Alerted the public of a bear and cub near the trail entrance behind Rockleigh Borough Hall.

• West Orange Township (Early June): Informed the public about recent bear sightings and issued bear safety guidelines to protect both residents and wildlife.

• Westwood Police Department (May 27): Urged residents to stay alert after a bear was seen eating from bird feeders in a backyard on First Avenue.

🛡️ How to Stay Safe During Bear Encounters

With more black bears venturing into suburban neighborhoods, local police departments and Fish and Wildlife officials are encouraging residents to follow these essential safety tips:

• Remain calm if you see a bear; do not approach it.

• Secure garbage cans, bird feeders, and pet food—common bear attractants.

• Make noise to scare bears away from populated areas.

• Supervise children and pets when outdoors.

• Report bear sightings or nuisance behavior to your local police department or call NJ Fish and Wildlife at 877-927-6337.

📍 Where Are Bears Most Common in NJ?

New Jersey’s black bear population is most concentrated in the northwest counties of Sussex, Passaic, Warren, and Morris, but the range is expanding east and south as bear numbers grow.

So even if you live outside of these hot spots, don’t assume you’re in the clear—bear encounters can happen anywhere in North Jersey, especially during the summer months.

🚨 What To Do If You Spot a Bear

📞 Report bear sightings to local police or:

• NJ Fish and Wildlife Black Bear Hotline: 877-927-6337

Stay alert. Stay safe. And remember—coexistence with wildlife starts with awareness and responsible behavior.

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