Black Bears Are Back: Here's What You Need To Know

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Now that spring is in full swing, residents across New Jersey can expect to see an increase in black bear sightings. Black bears are native to the state and generally don't cause problems. Still, if you're not used to them, seeing a bear in your backyard can be alarming. Here's what you need to know about black bears:

Where are the black bears?

They live in most areas of the state, but you're more likely to find them in places with forests. The bear population has grown over the past several decades, and New Jersey bears have the largest litters and highest reproduction rates in the nation, the NJ DEP says. The population has been managed in a number of ways, including a controversial hunt. Read More: 241 Bears Killed In State-Sanctioned Hunt

How can I stay safe around bears?

If you see a bear in the wild, there's a few ways to stay safe. Here are tips from the DEP:

• Remain calm. Do not run!
• Make the bear aware of your presence by making noise. Leave an escape route for the bear. If the bear does not leave, slowly back away.
• If the bear approaches, stand your ground and be assertive. Make yourself look big by waving your arms. Stay together as a group. Toss rocks or sticks.
• If a black bear attacks, fight back! Do not play dead!
• Never feed a bear. It is Dangerous and Illegal. Fed bears can become habituated and may need to be killed to protect public safety.
• When hiking and camping, make sure your campsite is secure and clean. Read more camping and hiking tips here.

How can I prevent bears from hanging around my house?

Bears tend to be wary of people, and seeing a bear in your yard doesn't necessarily mean there's something to worry about. To limit the presence of bears, limit their access to food in your yard. That includes locking up garbage, avoiding bird feeders, and keeping your grills clean. Read more tips for homeowners at the DEP website.

What do I do if I see an aggressive bear?

Residents can report aggressive bears to local police stations, and DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife at 1-(877)-WARN-DEP.

What are the odds of being hurt or killed by one?

Very, very small. Just one black bear death has been reported in state history, NJ DEP says. In Sept. 2014, a college student was killed by a bear while hiking in West Milford. Non-fatal bear attacks also remain incredibly rare. Read More: Bear Kills Rutgers University Student in West Milford Area

Check out some bear sightings from Morris County:

• Limping Bear Caught On Camera Wandering Into Garage
• Large Bear Caught On Video In Backyard
• Bear Family Takes A Dip In Backyard Pond
• Bear Makes Afternoon Snack Stop
• Large Bear Spotted In Front Yard
• WATCH: Bears Enjoy Warm Weather Weekend

Have you seen a bear recently? Send photos and videos to katie.kausch@patch.com.

Image via Shutterstock