Black Bear 'Being Monitored' Near The Caldwells

THE CALDWELLS, NJ — Police in Fairfield released a message to the surrounding area saying they're monitoring a black bear on Big Piece Road, and giving advice if residents encounter a bear.

"Presently there is a black bear in the area of 136 Big Piece Road, in the vicinity of the Stevenson School [in Fairfield]," they noted at 1:51 p.m. "Officers are on scene and monitoring the bear until the arrival of NJ Fish and Wildlife."

"There is no threat to the public," police said. "This is an informational message."

However, bears have posed threats in the past.

In January, a black bear bit a homeowner and killed two dogs in Sparta. State officials said the bear would be classified as "Category 1" and euthanized if caught.

The state Department of Environmental Protection, on their "Be Bear Aware" website, says that black bears are the largest mammal in the Garden State, and they've been spotted in all 21 counties. They rarely attack, but can be dangerous. If you see a black bear, don't approach it.

The site suggests that it's best to avoid leaving food out, if you don't want bears. If you see one, make noise to scare it away. And if attacked, don't "play dead"; instead, fight back. To read more about what to do and who to call if you see a bear, click here.

The Fairfield police released this information:

• Do not feed bears! Keep all garbage in bear-proof containers.
• Never feed or approach a bear!
• Remain calm if you encounter a bear. Do not run from it; running may trigger a chase response.
• If you encounter a bear that is feeding, do not approach it and slowly back away. A bear on a food source will aggressively defend it.
• From a safe distance, make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises.
• Make sure the bear has an escape route.
• If a bear enters your home, provide it with an escape route by propping all doors open.
• Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. Never run from a bear. Instead, slowly back away.
• To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans or using an airhorn. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.
• The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws and swat the ground. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact and do not run.
• If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. It is usually not a threatening behavior.
• Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, then slowly back away and do not run.
• Pairs or groups of people should stay together and perform these actions as a unit when they encounter a bear; do not separate and do not move in different directions.
• If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area.
• Report black bear damage or nuisance behavior to the DEP’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).
• Families who live in areas frequented by black bears should have a “Bear Plan” in place for children, with an escape route and planned use of whistles and air horns.
• Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back! Aim for the snout and/or eyes. Use anything at hand: (knife, sticks, rocks, binoculars, backpack or kick the bear).