Wake Up and Smell the Trash: NJ DEP Issues Critical “Bear Aware” Warning as Black Bears Exit Winter Dens
file photo by Boyd Loving
the staff of the Ridgewowod blog
Ridgewood NJ, Spring has officially sprung in New Jersey, but birds and flowers aren’t the only things emerging. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is issuing an urgent reminder to residents: Black bears are officially awake, they are hungry, and they are heading for your neighborhood in search of an easy meal.
As part of the Sherrill Administration’s commitment to community safety, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife is tracking bear activity across all 21 counties. Here is everything you need to know to stay safe this season.
The Science of the Search: Why Bears are in Your Backyard
Black bears are not “true” hibernators; they enter a state called torpor. During this time, they lose about 20% of their body weight. When they emerge in March and April, their primary goal is calorie replacement.
“Bears have a remarkable sense of smell and can detect scents more than two miles away,” says NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden. “The risk of an unwanted encounter rises if bears associate your property with food.”
While the highest concentration of bears remains in Morris, Sussex, Warren, and Passaic counties, sightings are increasingly common in Bergen, Hunterdon, and Somerset as the population expands.
How to “Bear-Proof” Your Property
A bear that finds food in a backyard becomes a “habituated” bear—one that loses its fear of humans. To prevent this, follow these essential steps:
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Secure the Garbage: Use bear-resistant containers. If you don’t have them, store trash in a secure garage or shed and only put it out the morning of collection, never the night before.
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Clean the Grill: Scrub outdoor grills and utensils to remove grease and food residue. Store them in a secure area when not in use.
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Remove Bird Feeders: Birdseed is a high-calorie “superfood” for bears. Avoid feeding birds during active bear months.
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Pet Safety: Feed pets indoors. If you must feed them outside, remove bowls immediately after they finish. Always walk dogs on a leash.
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The $1,000 Fine: Remember, intentionally feeding bears is illegal in New Jersey and carries a hefty fine.
What to Do if You Encounter a Black Bear
If you come face-to-face with a bear in your yard or on a trail, do not panic. Follow these “Know the Bear Facts” protocols:
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Do Not Run: Running can trigger a bear’s predatory chase instinct.
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Make Noise: Yell, blow a whistle, or bang pots and pans to scare the bear away.
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Look Big: Raise your arms above your head and stand your ground.
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Avoid Eye Contact: Bears may perceive a direct stare as a challenge or threat.
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Back Away Slowly: Ensure the bear has a clear escape route to leave the area.
Pro Tip: If a bear stands on its hind legs, it’s usually just trying to get a better scent or view—it’s typically non-threatening behavior. However, if it “huffs” or snaps its jaws, you are too close.
Reporting and Resources
The NJDEP offers extensive educational resources, including lesson plans for teachers and safety literature for homeowners. You can find these at dep.nj.gov/njfw/bears/.
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To report an aggressive bear or property damage: Call your local police department or NJDEP Fish & Wildlife at 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337).
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