Black Bear Still In Gloucester Twp. Thursday Morning: Cops

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — The black bear that was first seen in Gloucester Township on Wednesday was still in the township as of Thursday morning, according to police.

It was seen in the Blackwood Estates Development early Thursday morning, and was last seen crossing the Black Horse Pike near Grenloch Lake and College Drive around 9:30 a.m., police said.
Grenloch is officially in Washington Township, but the bear may turn around and return to Gloucester Township, police said.

“Thank you to our community members for keeping an eye out for our friend the bear, and keeping safe,” police said in a statement.

On Wednesday, bear was spotted in the area of Beech Court and Linden Drive. This was after it had previously been spotted 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.

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.