In recent years, the Division of Fish, Game, and Wildlife has cooperated with municipalities in northern and central New Jersey, working through situations involving black bears. No attempt should be made to capture or kill the animal, if it poses no immediate threat to life or property. Such actions could create potential danger to the public.
Black bears are capable of covering great distances and often move during the evening hours.
Unless they are bothered or chased, bears in areas with which they are unfamiliar will choose to remain inactive during the day. More often than not, a bear that wanders into a suburban or urban area will leave the area under cover of darkness. Some bears do, however, get into situations where physical removal becomes necessary. In those situations, the Division of Fish, Game, and Wildlife has personnel and equipment available to effectively and safely carry out the removal of the animal. Under no circumstances shall the local animal control officer or personnel attempt to capture or immobilize a black bear.