Bears Spotted In This NJ Town As Seasonal Sightings Increase

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ - South Brunswick police are urging residents to stay alert after multiple black bear sightings in Kendall Park in recent days, with the most recent bear spotted off Sandhill Road.

Black bears reside in all 21 New Jersey counties, according to police. Most bears avoid human contact and live in wooded areas away from residential neighborhoods, and most sightings in South Brunswick occur as bears move between neighborhoods through natural wooded corridors, police said.

Subscribe

Residents can report a nuisance black bear by calling the state Department of Environmental Protection's 24-hour hotline at 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337).

Police said residents should call 911 if there is an immediate threat to humans, if a bear is behaving as a nuisance, or if a bear attacks a pet. For situations where it is unclear whether a police response is necessary, residents can call the South Brunswick Police Department's non-emergency line at 732-329-4646.

Police offered the following safety reminders:

• Never feed bears.

• Never instigate bears by cornering them or throwing objects at them.

• Cover garbage cans with a secure lid.

• Avoid using bird feeders during bear season.

• Immediately remove uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors.

• If you encounter a bear, remain calm, do not run, and make sure the bear has an escape route.

• Avoid direct eye contact and back away slowly.

Additional information is available on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish & Wildlife's website.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com