As the weather gets warmed, black bears are emerging from their winter dens and actively searching for food.
The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds the public of these guidelines for removing potential food sources and avoiding interactions with black bears:
• Never feed bears. It is illegal and carries a fine of up to $1,000.
• If possible, use a certified bear-resistant garbage can. Otherwise, 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 or in the basement, a sturdy shed or other secure area.
• 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 feed birds, do so only during daylight hours when bears are least active from Dec. 1 to April 1. Suspend the feeder from a free-hanging wire, at least 10 feet off the ground and 10 feet 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.
Report black bear damage or aggressive bears to the local police department or to New Jersey Fish & Wildlife by calling 1 (877) WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).
For information about living with New Jersey’s black bears, including what to do in case of a bear encounter, go online to https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/bears/