Are there bear attacks in New Jersey?
So far, there have been no bear attacks on humans in the state during 2020 or 2019.
How common are black bear attacks?
The 750,000 black bears of North America kill less than one person per year on the average, while men ages 18-24 are 167 times more likely to kill someone than a black bear. Most attacks by black bears are defensive reactions to a person who is too close, which is an easy situation to avoid.
What do you do if you see a black bear in NJ?
If you see a bear, use common sense. Never approach the animal; observe it only from a distance. Make it aware of your presence by clapping, talking, singing or making other noise. If you encounter a bear at close range, remain standing, avoid direct eye contact, back up slowly and speak in a calm, assertive voice.
How many black bears are there in New Jersey?
The New Jersey black bear population has made a strong comeback since the 1950s, when it had dwindled to the hundreds. The estimated bear population in fall 2020 was 3,158, the third-highest this century, according to the Division of Fish and Wildlife.
Are there bears in West Milford NJ?
Bear sightings up in New Jersey. There have been 147 bear sightings during the first half of 2020 compared to 76 during the first half of 2019. Damage and nuisance instances are up from 234 in 2019 to 327 in 2020.
What are you supposed to do when you see a bear?
If you see a bear before it notices you: stand still, don’t approach and enjoy the moment. Then move away quietly in the opposite direction. If you encounter a bear that’s aware of you: don’t run; running may trigger a chase response. Back away slowly in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to leave.
What time of year are black bears most aggressive?
Most of the fatalities have happened during July and August, when trails are heavily populated. Attacks are minimal December through April, when most bears are hibernating for the winter and spring.
Are there grizzly bears in Massachusetts?
Black bears are the only species that live in Massachusetts. Grizzly bears were almost hunted to extinction by settlers and trappers in the 18th and 19th centuries, but their historic range only went as far east as Missouri and Iowa.
Should you fight a black bear?
Black Bears: If you are attacked by a black bear, DO NOT PLAY DEAD. Try to escape to a secure place such as a car or building. If escape is not possible, try to fight back using any object available. Concentrate your kicks and blows on the bear’s face and muzzle.
What is the black bear population in New Jersey?
The black bear population is growing too quickly while their natural habitat is rapidly decreasing. The Division of Fish and Wildlife estimates the black bear population in the state of New Jersey to be over 1,000.
Are there Brown Bears in New Jersey?
Most black bears in New Jersey are black, but there has been one documented black bear in the state that is cinnamon brown in color. About fifteen percent (15%) of New Jersey’s bears also have a white chest blaze.
Do black bears in New Jersey hibernate?
Contrary to popular opinion, black bears don’t hibernate in the Garden State, they torpor and there’s a big difference. “Black bears in New Jersey aren’t true hibernators. They will stay active all winter long if there’s abundant food available and we have quite a few bears…