Black Bear Spotted in Ewing Township

A black bear has been spotted in Ewing Township according to the Ewing Police Department.

In a Facebook post , the police department warned of the bear sighting and what residents should do to stay safe.

New Jersey Fish & Wildlife recommends the following guidelines:

• Never feed bears. It is illegal and carries a fine of up to $1,000.
• Use a certified bear-resistant garbage can, if possible.
  • store all garbage containers with tight-fitting lids and place them within a secure location where bears are unlikely to see or smell them, such as the inside wall of your garage, in the basement, a sturdy shed, or other secure areas.
• Wash garbage containers frequently with a disinfectant solution to eliminate odors.
• Put out garbage on the morning of collection, not the night before.
• Avoid feeding birds when bears are active.
  • If you do choose to feed birds, do so only during daylight hours when bears are least active from December 1 to April 1.
  • Suspend the feeder from a free-hanging wire, at least 10 ft off the ground and 10 ft from the trunk of a tree.
  • Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
• Immediately remove all uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors.
• Clean outdoor grills and utensils to remove food grease and residue. Store grills securely.
• Do not place any meat, dairy, or sweet foods in compost piles.
• Remove fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard.
• Properly install electric fencing to protect crops, beehives, and livestock.

Officials say if you see the bear, move to a safe location immediately, and call 911.

“As the weather warms, black bears are emerging from their winter dens and actively searching for food,” said Ewing Police in a Facebook post.

If you notice any black bear damage or aggressive bears, report it to your local police department or to NJ Fish & Wildlife at 1-(877)-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337).”

To find more information about New Jersey’s black bears, and what to do in case of a bear encounter, click, here .

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