As fall sets in, black bears in New Jersey are becoming more active, prompting state environmental officials to urge residents to secure trash bins and reduce other potential food sources around their properties. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has issued a reminder that black bears are preparing for the winter denning season and need to consume large amounts of food at this time of year. This heightened activity can bring bears closer to homes, backyards, and campgrounds in search of an easy meal.
According to the DEP, black bears are found predominantly in the northwestern portion of the state, particularly Morris, Sussex, Warren, and northern Passaic counties, as well as portions of Hunterdon, Somerset, and Bergen counties. However, black bears have been reported in all 21 counties.
During the fall, black bears need to eat more than 20,000 calories worth of food a day to bolster their fat reserves for the winter denning season. They are omnivorous, opportunistic feeders and will consume whatever food is available. Their main source of unnatural food is garbage. Black bears have an extremely keen sense of smell and can detect the odors of potential food sources up to two miles away.
The DEP has distributed some 3,000 bear-resistant trash receptacles in communities with elevated bear incidents, thanks to a $500,000 appropriation by the Murphy Administration. The DEP is also implementing a multimedia Know the Bear Facts black bear safety outreach campaign that includes messages in English and Spanish.
Residents are urged to report any black bear damage or aggressive bears to local police or to Fish & Wildlife by calling 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337).