Black Bear Spotted Near Two Millburn-Short Hills Area Schools

Did you see a bear this weekend near a school in your Millburn-Short Hills area neighborhood?

You’re not the only one.

School officials are reporting that a bear has been spotted over the past few days in the two towns. On Monday, the animal appeared near the Poets section of Hartshorn Elementary School in Short Hills around 7 a.m., then was seen again at Deerfield Elementary School around 9 a.m.

According to a statement from Interim Superintendent of Schools Christine Burton, Millburn Police and Animal Control officers are monitoring the animal’s movements.

Authorities have reported that the bear went into the South Mountain Reservation, but cautioned that it may return to Short Hills and the Millburn area.

School dismissal will take place as usual, and police will be on hand at Deerfield, Glenwood and Hartshorn to address any concerns.

“At this time, Deerfield, Glenwood and Hartshorn schools are operating under a ‘shelter-in-place’ procedure, which means students will stay in school for physical education, recess and lunch, pending any further updates regarding capture or relocation of the bear,” stated Burton, who added that there is no cause for concern at any of the district’s other schools.

“We have been told that the State Animal Control department will only come out to remove a bear when it is up a tree or otherwise contained,” Burton said. “Please know that as always, safety and security of our students is our top priority. We are in communication with and follow the guidelines from our local police and animal control officers.”

The animal was identified as a black bear in a NorthJersey.com report.

BEAR FACTS

According to the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife, black bears are the largest land mammal in New Jersey, as well as an “integral part of the state’s natural heritage and a vital component of healthy ecosystems.”

“Since the 1980s the Garden State’s black bear population has been increasing and expanding its range both southward and eastward from the forested areas of northwestern New Jersey,” the agency’s website states.

“Within the most densely populated state in the nation, black bears are thriving and there are now confirmed bear sightings in all 21 of New Jersey’s counties. The most common bear problem New Jersey’s residents experience is black bears getting into their garbage. Bears are attracted to neighborhoods by garbage odors, so properly securing your garbage is one of the best ways to prevent bears from becoming a nuisance in your community.”

Photo courtesy of the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife

Photo caption: Sightings of black bears, such as the one seen above, are becoming more common in New Jersey, according to the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Send Millburn-Short Hills news tips and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com