Bear Sighting Reported In West Windsor, Police Issue Alert

WEST WINDSOR, NJ — West Windsor residents should be alert Monday morning after police received reports of a bear in multiple areas of the township.

The West Windsor Police Department issued an advisory at 8:50 a.m. after receiving reports of a bear around Village Road West in the Dutch Neck area.

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Police said the bear was also most recently reported in the Conover/Galston area.

Police advised residents not to approach, feed or run from a bear. The department advised to remain calm, slowly back away and make the bear aware of their presence.

Residents can also make noise by speaking in an assertive voice, yelling, singing or clapping, according to the advisory. Police said people should make themselves look big and make sure the bear has an escape route.

"Black bear attacks are extremely rare," the department's guidance says.

If an attack does occur, people are advised to fight back by aiming for the bear's snout or eyes and using anything at hand, such as sticks, rocks, binoculars or a backpack, or by kicking the bear.

Black bear damage or nuisance behavior can be reported to the NJDEP's 24-hour hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).

Have a correction or news tip? Email dani.sepe@patch.com.