Another Black Bear Spotted in the Caldwells

Another black bear was spotted in North Caldwell on Sunday, this time in the area of Robin Hill Road.

The North Caldwell Police Department sent out an advisory about the bear sighting on Sunday. A pair of black bears were also spotted on May 17, in the area of Harding and Aspen Drive.

Black bear sighting have been increasing across Essex County as spring kicks into gear. [See related Patch article]

According to police:

“In most cases a black bear, if not cornered, will be wary of people. However, black bears that are accompanied with their cubs, presents the need for residents to have a heightened level of awareness.”

Police offered residents the following “common sense safety tips”:

• Never feed or approach a bear
• Remain calm
• Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises
• Make sure the bear has an escape route
• Avoid direct eye contact and never run from a bear… Instead, slowly back away
• To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans or using an air horn. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact and do not run. If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area.
• Residents should report black bear damage or nuisance behavior to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).

Photo courtesy of the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife

Photo caption: A black bear was seen in the area of Robin Hill Road in North Caldwell on Sunday.

Spotted a bear or other wild animal in the Caldwells? Send your photo with credit to eric.kiefer@patch.com