'Bear Facts' Presented at Kinnelon Municipal Building

Hibernation season may barely be here, but black bears can still be seen walking around and poking their noses in garbage cans. 

The  presented "Know the Bear Facts," a program about black bear safety and history at the Kinnelon Municipal Building Wednesday. Michelle Smith, a biologist with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, said the department has seen a lot of activity from black bears across the state even this month.

"Now, in the fall, they're fattening up for winter," she said.

Smith brought along with her the skin of a black bear yearling who was struck by a car, partially to allow children who attended the presentation to have the opportunity to feel the fur and see how large even a baby bear can be, but also to talk about the possibilities of hitting bears with cars. Smith said 86 black bears have been killed by vehicle collisions in the state this year.

"It's something people need to be aware of," she said.

Smith also said residents who live in places highly populated with bears, such as the tri-boro, should be especially cautious, particularly children, and take steps to avoid attracting bears to their homes.

She offered three main tips for keeping bears away, in addition to many more that can be found on the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife website here:

• Secure garbage cans if bears are near. Also, consider purchasing a Certified Bear-Resistant garbage can that will keep bears away.
• Do not leave bird feeders out. Take bird feeders inside your home at night or when you think bears may visit them.
• Bring in any outdoor food for your pet or livestock as bears may smell the food and visit your yard.

Smith also said the best advice if you encounter a bear at far range is to slowly back away from the bear (do not run), do not make eye contact and talk in a soothing voice, making sure to keep noise going. If you come into close contact with a bear, wave your arms to heighten yourself, do not make eye contact and make noise, but try not to scare the bear.