TRENTON -- Black bears have emerged from winter dens throughout the state and are entering their most active period of the year in search of food and mates, which makes encounters with humans in populated areas more likely.
It is illegal to intentionally feed black bears in New Jersey and punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 per offense.
But the more common problem is unintentional bear feeding by homeowners who unknowingly make household trash, pet foods and other food sources easily available for bears to find and eat.
To reduce the risk of potential encounters, the state Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife offers the following tips:
- Secure your trash. Use certified bear-resistant garbage containers if possible. Otherwise, store all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids and place them along the inside walls of your garage, or in the basement, a sturdy shed or other secure area. Wash garbage containers frequently with a disinfectant solution to remove odors. Put out garbage on collection day, not the night before.
- Avoid feeding birds when bears are active. If you choose to feed birds, do so during daylight hours only and bring feeders indoors at night. Suspend birdfeeders from a free-hanging wire, making sure they are at least 10 feet off the ground. Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
- Clean outdoor grills and utensils to remove food and grease residue to minimize odors. Store grills securely.
- Immediately remove all uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors.
- Do not place meat or any sweet foods in compost piles.
- Remove fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard.
- Properly installed electric fencing is an effective way of protecting crops, beehives and livestock.
- If you encounter a bear remain calm and do not run. Make sure the bear has an escape route. Avoid direct eye contact, back up slowly and speak with a low, assertive voice.
http://www.njherald.com/story/17348277/state-warns-of-bear-danger
It is illegal to intentionally feed black bears in New Jersey and punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 per offense.
But the more common problem is unintentional bear feeding by homeowners who unknowingly make household trash, pet foods and other food sources easily available for bears to find and eat.
To reduce the risk of potential encounters, the state Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Fish and Wildlife offers the following tips:
- Secure your trash. Use certified bear-resistant garbage containers if possible. Otherwise, store all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids and place them along the inside walls of your garage, or in the basement, a sturdy shed or other secure area. Wash garbage containers frequently with a disinfectant solution to remove odors. Put out garbage on collection day, not the night before.
- Avoid feeding birds when bears are active. If you choose to feed birds, do so during daylight hours only and bring feeders indoors at night. Suspend birdfeeders from a free-hanging wire, making sure they are at least 10 feet off the ground. Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
- Clean outdoor grills and utensils to remove food and grease residue to minimize odors. Store grills securely.
- Immediately remove all uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors.
- Do not place meat or any sweet foods in compost piles.
- Remove fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard.
- Properly installed electric fencing is an effective way of protecting crops, beehives and livestock.
- If you encounter a bear remain calm and do not run. Make sure the bear has an escape route. Avoid direct eye contact, back up slowly and speak with a low, assertive voice.
http://www.njherald.com/story/17348277/state-warns-of-bear-danger
