What to do if you encounter a bear
By Julia Train
Living near the Pine Barrens, or Pinelands, it’s not uncommon to hear about or even see bears, with a majority of the land in South Jersey being wooded.
Over the years, there have been reports in community Facebook groups every now and then of bear sightings or evidence that they might’ve been near.
A Facebook group is a feature on Facebook that allows users to create and join communities centered around shared interests, topics, or causes. Within a group, members can post updates, share local news and engage in discussions.
Last week, an Egg Harbor Township resident with the Facebook screen name Jay HP posted his findings of bear tracks near his home. The report was posted in the Original Egg Harbor Township Area Happenings 08234 Facebook group, which includes over 26,000 members.
Along with a photo showing his hand next to what looks like a bear track, he wrote, “Hey folks, just a heads up. We were out in the yard with the dogs this morning and our two youngest started tracking a scent. While investigating we came across some bear tracks. They’re about 6.5-7 inches across. We’re on the north end of Tremont.”
Amassing hundreds of comments and likes, the post was met with mixed reactions.
While some, like Suzanne Johnson, thanked him for the note of caution, writing,”Thx for the heads up. Something dug a large hole right in the middle of our volleyball court. Our dog was all over it. Thought maybe gopher or wood chuck but it’s in the middle of a lg sand volleyball court that surrounded by woods. Near dogwood and alder.”
Others, like Terry Green- Downs, shared their stories of possible evidence.
She wrote, “OMGsh, my hubby came home from work at 2:45 am Thurs. morning and he was putting out the trash for later that day when he heard some kind of growling and moaning sounds in the woods across from where we live near Tremont. Wow.”
Some commenters didn’t think it was noteworthy.
Sharon Lea Scarella wrote, “They roam harmless if not poked,” and JJ Bauer, chimed in with, “It’s only a bear relax everyone not like he or she’s gonna break into your house.”
Jean Gibboni said, “Why does anyone think this is so far fetched. Bear spotted in Mays Landing several times and on the news.”
While it’s not an actual sighting of a bear, it’s important to know there might be some in the area if residents would like to keep themselves and their pets safe.
According to the National Park Service (NPS), here’s a few tips on what to do if you see a bear.
Stay put, even if the bear comes closer. According to NPS, “It may come closer or stand on its hind legs to get a better look or smell. A standing bear is usually curious, not threatening.”
- Talk calmly to the bear to identify yourself as human and not prey.
- Do not make any loud noises, run or make any sudden movements.
- NPS said, “If the bear is standing still, move away slowly and sideways, which allows you to keep an eye on the bear and avoid tripping. Moving sideways is also non threatening to bears.”
- Do not run or climb a tree. Bears can run as fast as a horse and climb.
There are quite a few tips on the website, so make sure to view the full list here: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/bears/safety.htm. It’s important to be prepared.
If you see a black bear, report it to New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).
