Black Bears Back In Morris Co. For 2019: What You Need To Know

CHESTER, NJ — Now that spring is ramping up in Morris County for 2019, 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, including the more rural sections of Morris County. The bear population has grown over the past several decades, as has development of the state; New Jersey bears have the largest litters and highest reproduction rates in the nation, the NJ DEP says, so you might also spot bears in more residential areas. 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. Never run from a bear. Instead, slowly back away. Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. Make sure the bear has an escape route.
• To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, using a whistle, banging pots and pans, or sounding an air horn. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.
• Make bears aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises. If hiking through bear country, always make your presence known through loud talking or clapping of hands.
• The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping sounds by snapping its jaws and swatting the ground. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact. Do not run.
• If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. This is usually not a threatening behavior.
• Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened, or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, then slowly back away and do not run.
• If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area such as a vehicle or a building.
• Families who live in areas frequented by black bears should have a “Bear Plan” in place for children, with an escape route and planned use of whistles and air horns.
• Black bear attacks on humans are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back.

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.

Here are some specific tips from the DEP on "bear-proofing" your yard:

• Secure trash and eliminate obvious sources of food, such as pet food, easy-to-reach bird feeders, or food residue in barbecue grills.
• 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 a 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 do choose to feed birds, do so during daylight hours only and bring feeders indoors at night. Suspend bird feeders from a free-hanging wire, making sure they are at least 10 feet off the ground. Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
• Immediately remove all uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors.
• Clean outdoor grills and utensils to remove food and grease residue. Store grills securely.
• Do not place meat or any sweet foods in compost piles.
• Remove fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard.
• Install electric fencing as an effective way to protect crops, beehives, and livestock.

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. Never run away from a bear; if you're worried about being too close, back away slowly and avoid direct eye contact. Avoid cornering the bear, the DEP says.

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 in your yard this season? Send photos and videos to katie.kausch@patch.com.