Black Bear Sighting in Mahwah: A Reminder of Coexistence

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Mahwah, NJ – Early on the morning of July 21, 2024, a black bear was spotted climbing multiple fences and dropping into the backyard of a home at 222 East Crescent in Mahwah. This incident, which occurred at approximately 6:20 AM, is a stark reminder of the growing presence of black bears in New Jersey.

The Increasing Presence of Black Bears in New Jersey

Black bears are the largest land mammals in New Jersey and play an integral role in the state’s natural heritage and ecosystem health. Since the 1980s, the population of black bears in the Garden State has been on the rise, expanding from the forested areas of northwestern New Jersey both southward and eastward. Today, black bears thrive across the state, with confirmed sightings in all 21 counties.

Managing and Coexisting with Black Bears

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Fish and Wildlife personnel employ an integrated approach to manage the state’s black bear population. This strategy aims to foster coexistence between people and bears, ensuring both can thrive without unnecessary conflict.

Black bears are naturally drawn to odors emanating from potential food sources provided by humans. Properly managing these sources and their associated smells is crucial in preventing bears from being attracted to residential areas and learning to associate humans with food.

Tips for Reducing Bear Encounters

To minimize the likelihood of attracting black bears to your property, consider the following tips:

• Secure Trash: Use bear-resistant trash containers and keep them in a secure location until collection day.
• Remove Bird Feeders: Bears are attracted to birdseed, especially in the spring and fall. Remove bird feeders when bears are active.
• Clean BBQ Grills: After use, clean your grills thoroughly to remove food residue and odors.
• Avoid Feeding Pets Outside: If you must feed pets outside, remove any leftover food immediately.
• Compost Wisely: Avoid composting meat, fish, and other odorous foods that might attract bears.

Conclusion

As the black bear population in New Jersey continues to grow and spread, it is increasingly important for residents to understand and practice bear-safe behaviors. By taking proactive steps to manage food sources and odors, we can foster a safer and more harmonious coexistence with these majestic creatures. For more information on living with black bears and preventing conflicts, visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife’s website.