Police remind residents some tips on bear season
SOUTH BRUNSWICK -- A black bear was caught on video early Wednesday morning rummaging through garbage cans in the township, according to police who are reminding residents what to do if they see the animals.
Bear Sightings time of year. This bear was going through garbage overnight. https://t.co/8iMDVBy2xP pic.twitter.com/jZmNOiKWbX
-- So Brunswick PD (@SoBrunswickPD) April 20, 2017
The bear on Georges Road, near Viking Way, was the only reported sighting, but the South Brunswick Police Department says we've entered that time of year where the reports will be more common.
"Within our community, most bear sightings are while they are moving from one area to another through natural wooded corridors," Police Capt. James Ryan said a release. "So if you see a bear in South Brunswick, it's usually one bear moving through the wooded areas between neighborhoods."
Bears tend to avoid human contact and live in wooded areas away from neighborhoods, but the department has issued the following guidelines in case a resident comes across the animal in town:
- There is an immediate threat to humans
- The bear is a nuisance
- The bear attacks a pet
- The bear is not presenting an immediate danger to humans, pets, or property
The department also asks residents not to feed bears or throw objects at the animals. Residents should cover garbage cans, avoid bird feeders and bring in all uneaten food from outseide.
If you come across a bear, don't run, the department said. Avoid eye contact, back up slowly and make sure the bear has an escape route.
For any additional information or questions call the South Brunswick Police Department's Officer George Vit at 732-329-4000 Ext. 4460.
To report a nuisance black bear, call the DEP's 24-hour, toll-free hotline: 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).
Craig McCarthy may be reached at CMcCarthy@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @createcraig and on Facebook here. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips