These N.J. Towns Have Bear Warnings, And More Sightings

More bears are appearing in more towns, and New Jersey communities are letting people know about it.

In fact, some towns have now taken the extra step to warn people about bears in their communities, as the number of sightings statewide seems to be on the rise since April 21.

Late April is a time when black bears emerge from their winter dens and enter a very active period of the year in search of food and mates, says the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

Here are the warnings:

• The Middlesex borough police department sent out an alert Friday morning, warning its residents to be alert for possible bear sightings, as black bears have been seen in nearby towns earlier this week. "Be alert, secure garbage and NEVER feed or approach bears," Middlesex police posted in a Nixle alert.
• Hillsborough announced at its council meeting this week a warning about bears.

Here is a list of some recent sightings:

• This week there have been two reported sightings of a baby black bear in South Brunswick Township, police confirmed to Patch.
• A black bear was tranquilized and removed after it was seen in Maplewood Wednesday and a bear was seen in Watchung Tuesday morning.
• A black bear was spotted in Bridgewater on Sunday, April 24.
• Another black bear was spotted in Verona on April 21.
• Up in northwest New Jersey, where bear sightings are commonplace, a bear was spotted on a Long Valley golf course Tuesday.
• Tragically, a man riding his motorcycle hit and killed a black bear cub Wednesday night in Jefferson.

Residents should report bear damage, nuisance behavior or aggressive bears to the DEP Hotline at 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337). You can also call your local police department if you see a bear.