Black Bear Spotted In Gloucester Township Wednesday: Police

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A bear that has been making its way across South Jersey has arrived in Gloucester Township, police said Wednesday.

The bear was spotted in the area of Beech Court and Linden Drive, Gloucester Township police said early Wednesday afternoon. Police described the bear as “docile,” and said it “isn’t showing any aggression at this time.” Officers are monitoring the situation.

Bear sightings were recently reported in West Deptford and Monroe Township, as well as Delaware and Camden counties.

The bear has been feeding on bird feeders and trash, other police departments have told Gloucester Township police. Residents are advised to secure these items and not approach the bear.

An expert told The Philadelphia Inquirer bear sightings typically increase in the spring, and sightings have been increasing as security and phone cameras become more prevalent. While the black bear population has increased since 1980, it isn't exploding, he said.

The following tips come courtesy of the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife:

• Black bears by nature tend to be wary of humans and avoid people. However, if you encounter a black bear in your neighborhood or outdoors while hiking or camping, follow these 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.
• If a bear enters your home, provide it with an escape route by propping all doors open.
• Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. 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 airhorn. 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.
• The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws and swat the ground. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact and do not run.
• If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. It is usually not a threatening behavior.
• Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, then slowly back away. Do not run.
• If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area.