Dear Neighbors;

The Bear was also spotted up Alpine Trail later
Tues the 10th afternoon. Residents saw a herd of deer running as if they had been
spooked; thought they were running from the lady and her dog who had
just walked up the hill. Then I looked and the lady and her dog
running like they had been spooked!! She said that the bear had
raised up when he saw her. The bear must have continued on his way
because I drove up to check things out and didn't see him.

Karen Sabol

Black Bear Nuisance and Damage Prevention

Black bears have exited their winter dens throughout the State and are entering their most active period of the year as they search for food and mates, making encounters with people more likely. The following information is provided on how to deal with black bears. It is excerpted from leaflets issued by the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Prevention is the best method for controlling black bear damage. Keep garbage, pet feeding and bird feeding away from wildlife. Black bears should never be fed (Note: in New Jersey, it’s illegal to feed black bears, and violators face a penalty of up to $1,000 for each offense) or approached. If a bear comes into your yard, make the bear aware of your presence. Do not feed the bear! Make sure the bear has an escape route. Yell, bang pots and pans or use an air horn to scare the bear away.

Aggressive and non-yielding bears should be reported to the Harding Police Department at (973) 455 0500 and the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife at (908) 735 8793. During evenings and weekends call the DEP Hotline at (877) WARN-DEP. It is very important to report these incidents, as the Division will take action only if there is a history.

Further information can be obtained from the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife website at: