North Caldwell: Black Bears Spotted Near Harding Avenue and Aspen Drive on Sunday in Essex County

A pair of black bears were spotted in North Caldwell on Sunday around the Harding and Aspen Drive areas, reported police.

The sighting was the second recent bear incident in two weeks; a solitary bear was seen around several Millburn schools on May 11 and May 12. [See related Patch article here]

The North Caldwell Police Department issued an alert on Sunday, warning residents to take precautions and use “common sense safety tips.”

According to police:

“In most cases a black bear, if not cornered, will be wary of people. However, black bears that are accompanied with their cubs, presents the need for residents to have a heightened level of awareness.”

Police gave residents the following “common sense safety tips”:

• Never feed or approach a bear
• Remain calm
• 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
• Avoid direct eye contact and 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 air horn. 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. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact and do not run. If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area.

Residents should report black bear damage or nuisance behavior to the NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).

To learn more about black bear behavior and safety tips for suburban residents, visit the NJ DEP website.

Photo courtesy of the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife

Photo caption: Sightings of black bears, such as the one seen above, are becoming more common in New Jersey, according to the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Send Caldwell news tips and press releases to [email protected]