Alert: Black Bear Sighting Near Westwood Regional High School – What You Need to Know
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the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Twp of Washington NJ, Residents of the Township of Washington, NJ, take note: there have been recent reports of black bear activity near The Westwood Regional Jr./Sr. High School.
While seeing a bear in a residential area can be startling, it isn’t necessarily a cause for panic. However, it is a reminder that we share our environment with powerful wild animals. To keep our community and our wildlife safe, the Washington Township Police Department is urging residents to stay vigilant and follow these essential safety protocols.
Is the Bear Dangerous?
In most cases, no. Simply seeing a bear walking through your backyard is not an immediate threat. Most bear-human conflicts occur when bears are attracted to human food sources or when humans attempt to feed them.
Bears are unpredictable wild animals. A bear that seems “tame” because it is used to being around houses is often the most dangerous, as it has lost its natural fear of humans.
Quick Tip: If you encounter a bear at close range, do not run. Back away slowly while facing the bear and speaking in a calm, assertive voice.
Why Are Bears Visiting Our Neighborhood?
Bears have incredible senses of smell and are natural investigators. They aren’t looking for trouble—they’re looking for a snack. Common attractants include:
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Unsecured garbage cans
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Bird seed and suet
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Pet food left outdoors
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Grease on barbecue grills
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Compost piles
The “Reward” Cycle: Once a bear finds food (a “reward”) at your home, it will likely return repeatedly, even after you’ve removed the source.
Essential Safety Tips for Washington Twp Residents
If you see a bear, do not approach it. To prevent bears from becoming a permanent fixture on your property, follow these “Bear-Aware” steps:
1. Secure Your Garbage
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Day-of Pickup Only: Only put your trash out on the morning of collection. Never leave it out overnight.
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Store Indoors: Keep trash cans inside a garage or a secure shed.
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Mask the Scent: Sprinkling ammonia on garbage can help mask food odors.
2. Remove Food Sources
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Bring Pet Food In: Do not leave pet bowls outside overnight.
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Clean the Grill: Scrape down your BBQ grill after every use to remove grease.
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Bird Feeders: If a bear visits your feeder, stop feeding birds for 1–2 weeks until the bear moves on.
3. Deterrence and Scaring
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Make Noise: Shouting, clapping, or blasting a car horn can temporarily scare a bear away.
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Motion Lights: Motion-sensitive outdoor lighting may discourage nocturnal visits.
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Avoid Crowds: If a bear is sighted, do not gather to watch it. Crowds stress the animal and lead to unpredictable behavior.
Why Can’t We Just Relocate the Bear?
Many residents ask why “problem” bears aren’t simply moved. NASA-level logistics aside, relocation rarely works because:
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It doesn’t fix the root cause: If the food source remains, a new bear will simply move in.
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Homing Instincts: Bears often travel long distances to return to their original territory.
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Safety Risks: Catching a bear in a residential zone is dangerous for both the animal and the public.
Who to Contact
If you spot a bear in the Township, please contact the Washington Township Police Department immediately with the specific location.
For more in-depth tips on coexisting with bears, you can visit the National Park Service Guide to Bear Safety.
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