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(The
following is excerpted from the New Jersey Division of Fish
and Wildlife brochure entitled "Living in Bear Country. Copies
of the brochure are available at the Municipal Building or from
the N.J. Division of Fish and Wildlife - P.O. Box 400, Trenton,
N.J. 08625-0499)
Black bears area at a crossroad in the Garden State. Since the
1970s, the population has been steadily increasing- along with
the number of New Jersey residents. As a result, bears and people
are coming into contact with each other more than ever.
The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife is implementing
a black bear management plan that not only assures the continued
survival of a black bear population in New Jersey but also addresses
the property damage and safety concerns of residents and agriculturists.
An important element of the management plan is the education
of homeowners in bear country. Proper sanitation techniques
have proven to be the most effective and efficient method of
preventing black bear nuisance problems around homes. All garbage
should be stored in airtight containers, in a secure area. Do
not store garbage cans against doors of the garage or basement,
or in a wooden shed. Garbage containers should be stored in
a secure area and washed out at least once a week with a disinfectant
solution to remove any odors. The outside feeding of dogs and
cats should be done during daylight hours. All uneaten food
and scraps, as well as the food bowl, should be removed immediately
after feeding. Birdfeeders should be suspended from a free hanging
wire so that the bottom of the feeder is at least 8 feet off
the ground. Feeders should be hung during daylight hours only.
In high density bear areas, crops, beehives and small livestock
may be vulnerable to bear damage.
Electric fencing is sometimes effective in controlling bear
damage in these circumstances. Information regarding electric
fencing is available from the Division of Fish and Wildlife
- Wildlife Control Unit. Black bears learn very quickly. Bears
that associate food with people may become aggressive and dangerous.
This may lead to personal injury, property damage and the need
to euthanize problem bears. Please note that the mere presence
of a black bear is not considered a problem.
If you are experiencing nuisance or damage problems related
to bears, please contact the New Jersey Division of Fish and
Wildlife - Wildlife Control Unit at (609) 735-8793.
If a bear comes into your yard the Division of Fish and Wildlife
recommend the following:
1. Remain calm. Most bears are easily frightened into leaving.
2. Do not feed the bear.
3. Keep at least 15 feet away from the animal.
4. Make sure the bear has an escape route.
5. Yell, bang pots and pans, or use an airhorn to scare the
bear away.
6. If the bear will not leave, move to your house, car, or building,
if available.
Note that the bear may utter a series of huffs, snap (pop) its
jaw, and swat the ground. These are all warning signs that you
are too close. Slowly back away. If you encounter a bear at
close range, remain standing upright, avoid direct eye contact,
back up slowly and speak in a calm, assertive, and assuring
voice.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON BEAR MANAGEMENT IS AVAILABLE FROM
THE NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DIVISION
OF FISH, GAME & WILDLIFE.
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(c)
Hardyston Township 2001-2007. All rights reserved.
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