Reminder: Don’t Feed The Bears In New Jersey
It’s that time of year again. Bears are getting hungry before hibernation. However here in New Jersey, residents are being reminded to Don’t Feed The Bears!
According the the NJ Department Of Environmental Protection, Black bears are the largest land mammal in New Jersey. They are an integral part of the state’s natural heritage and a vital component of healthy ecosystems. Since the 1980s the Garden State’s black bear population has been increasing and expanding its range both southward and eastward from the forested areas of northwestern New Jersey. Within the most densely populated state in the nation, black bears are thriving and there are now confirmed bear sightings in all 21 of New Jersey’s counties. The DEP’s Fish and Wildlife personnel use an integrated approach in managing New Jersey’s black bear population, fostering coexistence between people and bears.
Watch Your Cans!
According the the NJDEP, Preventing problems with black bears is everyone’s responsibility!
The most common bear problem New Jersey’s residents experience is black bears getting into their 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. Residents are encouraged to work within their community to make sure all garbage is secured and kept away from bears. Human garbage is attractive to black bears. When bears get into people’s garbage, they may be encouraged to return to the location because of the food reward. Bears that associate people with food may have to be trapped or destroyed.
ALSO SEE: The Beach Haven Chowder Cook-Off Is Coming Next Month!
Be a good neighbor by following these tips.
Use certified bear-resistant garbage containers and keep the container outdoors if you live in an area frequented by black bears. Certified bear-resistant trash containers have passed a formal testing procedure and are proven to keep bears out. Certified containers offer the best protection.
Use certified bear-resistant community dumpsters in housing developments and gated communities.
Secure garbage cans
If not using certified containers, store all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids and place them within a secure location where bears are unlikely to see or smell them. For example, leave garbage containers in your basement until morning of garbage collection. Note: Occasionally, bears have tried to enter buildings in search of food, so use caution.
Use a Bear Resistant Dumpster Enclosure
Garbage containers or dumpsters may be stored within Bear Resistant Dumpster Enclosures (BRDEs). These are fully enclosed structures consisting of four sides (i.e. solid panels or cyclone fencing,) eight feet high, and with a top of sufficient design (i.e. barbed wire or roof) constructed to prevent access by black bears.
Put out garbage the morning of collection day
Put out garbage as close to pick-up time as possible, not the night before.
Wash trash containers
Wash trash containers with a disinfectant solution at least once a week to eliminate odors. Examples of disinfectant solution include hot water and chlorine bleach or ammonia.
Secure & clean recycling containers
Store recycling containers in a secure building and only put them outdoors on the day of pick up. Empty recyclables, like beverage cans, bottles and food containers can attract bears.
To learn more about bear resistant products and techniques, click here.
In New Jersey, the Black Bears typically den (hibernate) in fall (late October-early December) and emerge in spring (March-April). Some bears may not den at all if they continue to find sufficient food. Around homes, bears may scavenge for food in garbage containers and bird feeders and for pet and livestock food left outside. So be vigilant!
