Bear Spotted Near Deer Trail North, Police Say

RAMSEY, N.J. — A bear was seen in the area of Deer Trail North and Shadyside Road Thursday morning, police said.

Authorities urge residents to stay away from bears at all times. Black bears by nature tend to be afraid of people, the state Department of Environmental Protection said.

Other safety tips from the DEP include:

• 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.
• Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. Never run from a bear. Instead, slowly back away.

Residents should call 911 if they see a bear.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

A black bear — Wikimedia Commons