Black Bear Spotted In Scotch Plains And Fanwood: Video, Photos

FANWOOD, NJ — A black bear is becoming quite the star in Scotch Plains-Fanwood area after seen roaming around over the weekend with many residents capturing it on camera.

The bear was spotted on Saturday walking on Kempshall Terrace in Fanwood and also in Scotch Plains on Oakwood Terrace.

Then the bear was spotted multiple times on Sunday beginning at 6:35 a.m. between Willoughby Road and Midway Avenue before making its way up to Russell Road, a neighbor wrote in the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Community Facebook page.

A bear spotting was later reported near the Fanwood Train Station. Fanwood resident Dennis Dagounis was able to capture photos and video of the bear napping in a backyard on Arlene Court on Sunday.

The police department was notified of the bear sightings.

A local Fanwood business, Fanwood Larder, even put out water for the bear on Monday in case it came through town again.

Here are some bear safety tips from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection:

• Never feed or approach a bear!
• Remain calm if you encounter a bear. Do not run from it.
• 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.
• 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 and do not run.
• If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area.
• Report black bear damage or nuisance behavior to the DEP's 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).
• Families who live in areas frequented by black bears should have a "Bear Plan" in place for children, with an escape route and planned use of whistles and air horns.
• Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back!

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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