As a result , the black bear was pushed into the least productive and more remote areas of the state. Today, black bears have made a remarkable recovery from their low numbers in the mid 1800's. However, the amount and quality of habitat and human tolerance remain the issues defining their future in New Jersey. There are at least 500 black bears in New Jersey and their population continues to increase. Black bears can run up to 35 miles per hour and are excellent swimmers.
Bears are excellent climbers, even as cubs.
An adult black bear will readily climb trees, both for food and protection. Bears are intelligent, and have excellent senses of smell and hearing. A black bear's diet consists of mostly plants and fruit. Bears give birth every other year. One to four cubs are born in winter dens.