DON’T RUN: The best thing to do if encountering a bear is to make noise and back away, experts say. (Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.com)
By Anne Levin
When a black bear was spotted on the playground of Riverside Elementary School a few weeks ago, the school went into lockdown and the surrounding neighborhood was put on alert. The shaggy visitor had made an earlier appearance at the Butler tract on Harrison Street, and stopped on Dodds Lane before making itself scarce.
Princeton Animal Control Officer Jim Ferry thinks it was the same animal that has shown up in Lawrence Township, West Windsor, and Plainsboro. Whether or not that bear or any other makes a return visit to the area, it is a good idea to get familiar with how to handle an encounter.
“This time of year, with the number of bears throughout the state, it’s good to be ‘bear aware,’ ” said Ferry. “My biggest concern is if someone accidentally startles one of them. And this goes for any wild animal, really. They don’t attack otherwise, but you don’t want to take them by surprise.”
Black bears are generally solitary animals, according to the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife. The one exception to that rule is sows — mama bears — with cubs.
“One of the biggest things I worry about is people encountering a mama bear and her cubs,” said Ferry. “They are super protective. If you see cubs, definitely admire them from a distance or inside the house. Because mom is definitely nearby.”
Bears are most active when it’s dark, especially just before sunrise and again after sunset. But there are exceptions to the unofficial rule.
“They will adjust their routines when it affords them the opportunity to take advantage of human-derived food sources, such as human garbage left out overnight or food scraps at a campground,” reads the website for the NJDEP. “Black bears actively forage for food in the spring after they emerge from dens, and in the fall when they are actively feeding to prepare for the winter den period. Black bears are also very active throughout the summer breeding season. These are the times of year when black bear/human encounters are most common, due to bears searching for food.”
Bird feeders and unsecured trash receptacles are major attractions for bears, as well as compost piles and gardens.
“It’s simple,” said Ferry. “If there has been a report of a bear in the area, bring these inside the garage at night. And if you don’t want to spend a lot on bear-proof trash cans, which are sold, you can always bungee-cord your lids.”
If you do encounter a bear, the animal might give some warning signs such as swatting the ground or making huffing noises. If it stands up, it’s usually to get a better sniff of the air. Just don’t turn and run.
“Try to remain calm,” said Ferry. “Running away will trigger a chase response. Just back away. Make yourself known. Make noise. If you’re wearing a jacket, pull it up above your head to make yourself as big as possible. If a bear perceives you as something they don’t want to mess with, it will leave. Just don’t be between it and the escape route.”
To report a black bear sighting in Princeton, call the Animal Control Office at (609) 924-2728. For emergencies, call the Princeton Police Department at (609) 921-2100.