Bear Spotted In New Providence: What Residents Should Know

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ — A black bear’s Monday stroll through New Providence is a reminder that residents share the neighborhood with wildlife, especially as bears begin eating heavily ahead of winter.

New Providence police and emergency management said the bear was spotted on Maple Street and last seen moving through the woods toward Brookside Drive. “Please use caution and keep your distance,” officials said.

For New Providence residents, the bear’s path shows how quickly wildlife can move between residential properties and wooded areas. Bears have wandered through the borough before, with multiple sightings previously reported in New Providence.

Residents can also make their properties less inviting by securing trash, cleaning grills and removing food, birdseed and pet dishes. Never feed a bear, as intentional feeding is illegal in New Jersey and can teach bears to associate homes with meals.

If a bear wanders into view, do not approach it, run or make direct eye contact. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection advises residents to remain calm, make the bear aware of their presence, ensure it has an escape route and slowly back away. From a safe distance, speak assertively, make loud noises by yelling, clapping or banging pots to encourage it to leave. Dogs should be leashed when outside because an encounter can provoke either animal.

Residents can also make their yards less inviting by securing trash in bear-resistant containers, cleaning grills and removing food, birdseed and pet dishes.

A bear that huffs, snaps its jaws or swats the ground is warning that someone is too close. Residents should slowly retreat without running. A bear standing on its hind legs, however, may simply be trying to see better or pick up a scent.

Bears may also bluff charge when cornered, threatened or trying to take food. The DEP advises people to stand their ground, avoid eye contact and then back away slowly.

Black bear attacks are extremely rare in New Jersey. If an attack occurs, the DEP says to fight back and aim for the bear’s snout or eyes, using any available object.

Residents can report nuisance or aggressive bears to the DEP hotline at 1-877-WARN-DEP. Call 911 if a bear poses an immediate threat.

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