Large Black Bear Spotted At Six Mile Run Reservoir Site

FRANKLIN, NJ — A large black bear was spotted at the Six Mile Run Reservoir Site in Franklin Township prompting park officials to issue an alert on Friday.

Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park said they received a report about the bear on Wednesday, Sept 13, not far from Skillman's Road between Route 27 and South Middlebush Road in Franklin Township.

"We are asking all our park users to be alert and aware when using the trail network or hunting in the area," said park officials

If anyone spots the bear, they are asked to notify the DEP's 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).

Park officials also offered the following safety tips:

1. When possible, utilize trails in groups and create noise as much as possible (talk, sing, clap, play music, etc.). This will alert any bears to your presence and prevent an interaction.
2. Never feed or approach a bear!
3. DO NOT RUN. Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. Never run from a bear. Instead, slowly back away.
4. Remain calm.
5. Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises.
6. Make sure the bear has an escape route.
7. 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.
8. If the bear approaches, try to scare it away by making yourself as large and imposing as possible by stretching your arms overhead and making loud noises. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head. Group together and pick up small children.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area.
12. Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back.

On Wednesday, the New Jersey Fish and Game Council voted to approve amendments to the Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy (CBBMP) that allow for regulated hunts twice a year in certain parts of the state. Read More: Bear Hunt Back On In NJ: First Kill Could Be Next Month

The policy provides for an annual black bear hunting season, divided into two one-week periods, in designated parts of seven New Jersey counties.

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