'Non-Aggressive' Black Bear Spotted In Paramus

PARAMUS, NJ — Paramus police have reported another black bear sighting, this time in the area of Ikea Drive.

"A non-aggressive black bear has been spotted in the area of Ikea Drive. If seen, please contact the police department and do not approach," the department said on Twitter at 9:02 a.m.

Police reported a black bear sighting at the end of May in the area of Koman Drive and Alden Road. That bear was also "non-aggressive," police said.

As the weather warms up, black bear sightings will likely increase across the state, and a recent Patch report discussed what's important to know as that happens. Read more: It's Black Bear Season In New Jersey: What You Need To Know

The black bear's population has steadily increased over the past 35 years and expanded south and east from the forest-filled areas of northwestern New Jersey.

As of 2017, black bears have been spotted in all 21 counties in New Jersey and almost every town in the Garden State, according to the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW).

Most of the black bear sightings in New Jersey can be linked to garbage.

"Bears are attracted to neighborhoods by garbage odors, so properly securing your garbage is one of the best ways to prevent bears from becoming a nuisance in your community, according to the DFW.

But black bears by nature tend to be wary of people. There has only been one documented bear fatality in New Jersey's history which occurred in September 2014, when a 22-year-old Rutgers University student was attacked and killed in West Milford.

Bears do not want to eat humans; in fact, they eat a largely vegetarian diet. Nonetheless, their strength should be respected and a dose of fear is healthy. The DFW offers the following tips for what to do if you see a black bear:

• Never feed or approach a bear!
• Remain calm if you encounter a bear. Do not run from it.
• Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises.
• Make sure the bear has an escape route.
• If a bear enters your home, provide it with an escape route by propping all doors open.
• Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. Never run from a bear. Instead, slowly back away.
• To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans or using an airhorn. 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.
• The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws and swat the ground. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact and 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. It 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.
• Report black bear damage or nuisance behavior to the DEP's 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).
• 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 are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back!

With reporting from Alexis Tarrazi.

Keep up to date with what's happening in your community by subscribing to your local Patch newsletter here.