Bear Cub Seen Twice in South Brunswick

South Brunswick, NJ - This week there have been two reported sightings of a baby black bear in South Brunswick Township, police confirmed to Patch Friday morning.

One sighting of a baby black bear was off Sandhill Road and the other was off Welcomes Farm Road. Be alert while driving, as tragically, a black bear cub was hit and killed by a motorcyclist this week in Morris County.

This is the time of year where black bears can typically be reported traveling through our community, said South Brunswick Police Captain James Ryan. In South Brunswick, most bear sightings are while the animals are moving from one area to another through natural wooded corridors. So, if you see a bear in South Brunswick, it’s usually moving through the wooded areas between neighborhoods.

It is important to understand that black bears reside in all 21 counties of New Jersey. Most bears avoid human contact and live in wooded areas away from residential neighborhoods, he said.

Call 911 if:

- A bear causes $500 or more in property damage

- There is an immediate threat to humans

- The bear is a nuisance

- The bear attacks a pet

DO NOT call 911 if:

The bear is not presenting an immediate danger to humans, pets, or property.

Remember:

Never feed the bears

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

There are several easy ways to deter black bears from becoming a problem, such as:

Cover garbage cans with a secure lid

Avoid bird feeders during bear season

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

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

Avoid direct eye contact and back up slowly

If unsure about whether police response is necessary, call the South Brunswick Police Department’s non-emergency phone number, 732-329-4646.

For any additional information or questions call the South Brunswick Police Department’s Officer George Vit at 732-329-4000 Ext. 4460.

Stock image of a black bear cub.