Bear Sightings Reported In South Brunswick: Police

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — South Brunswick Police Department said they received multiple reports of possibly two black bears sightings in South Brunswick on Sunday morning.

Between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. on June 6, police received multiple reports of bear sighting on Sandhill Road, Savage Road, and Cambridge Road. All these are residential areas.

Upon receiving the reports police said they informed the NJ Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“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,” police said.

“Within our community, most bear sightings are while they are moving from one area to another through natural wooded corridors.”

To report a nuisance black bear, call the DEP's 24-hour, toll-free hotline: 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).

Residents are advised to call 911 if:

• There is an immediate threat to humans
• The bear is a nuisance
• The bear attacks a pet

Police have asked residents not to call 911 if the bear is posing no immediate danger to humans, pets, or property.

Here are a few other suggestions for residents:

• Never Feed the bears.
• Never instigate the bears by cornering them or throwing objects at them.
• 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, residents can call the South Brunswick Police Department’s non-emergency phone number, 732-329-4646.

More information on bears can be found on the NJDEP Division of Fish & Wildlife website.

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