I have seen photos of black bears in suburban backyards so hungry for food that they knocked down chain link fences to get to birdfeeders to devour the few ounces of seed from them. Bears have a great sense of smell and will look for food and garbage if it's in their general area, so if you live in northern New Jersey, you should be very careful about putting your garbage out right before it will be collected. If you spot one near your livestock, don't try and handle it yourself, call the police or Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife. Below are the NJ Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife guidelines on what to do if you encounter a bear. Print them out and study them if you spend any time in the outdoors, enjoy camping or hiking or if you live in Northern New Jersey.
Most bears are easily frightened into leaving.
2.Never approach the animal and observe only from a distance. Make your presence known through clapping, talking, singing or making other sounds. 3.Make sure the bear has an escape route. These are all warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away.