Two male bears weighing approximately 300 pounds each were destroyed after repeated livestock killing incidents. Three female bears were destroyed after each was involved in several home entries in spite of capture, relocation and aversive conditioning. The estimated number of bears living in northwestern New Jersey has risen from less than 50 animals in 1980 to more than 1,000 today. It is expected that the bear population will exceed 1,500 animals over the next several years in this part of the state, which is already inhabited by more than 700,000 people. Our challenge as an agency is to manage the growing black bear population while minimizing negative impacts to people.
Most bears are easily frightened into leaving.
Never approach the animal and observe only from a distance. Make your presence known through clapping, talking, singing or making other sounds. Make sure the bear has an escape route. These are all warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away.