By Mary Brienza, Staff Writer
A black bear was spotted wandering around the township four separate times; once May 13 and three times Monday, according to police.
According to police, it is believed the sightings are of all the same black bear, which they think may be looking for food.
Township spokesman Ron Schmalz said residents should cover and secure garbage cans and not leave animal and dog food out, which might attract the bear.
”Bears come through the township every so many years,” Sgt. James Ryan said.
The bear, whose gender has not been determined, was first spotted on Courtside Road, off Raymond Road, on Friday, Sgt. Ryan said.
Then Monday, the bear was spotted three more times at 8 a.m. on Schalks Road and Ridge Road, at 7:45 p.m. on Ridge Road and Perrine Road and later at Ridge Road and Route 1 at 11 p.m., Sgt. Ryan said.
Mr. Schmalz said black bears pass through the township every couple of years, and some of them go under Route 1 using the sewer systems to cross roads.
Black bear incidents are handled by the state Department of Environmental Protection, Mr. Schmalz said.
Police are asking residents to call them at 732-329-4646 if they spot the bear and to call the Wildlife Control Unit of the Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife at 908-735-8793 to report incidents of bear damage, aggression or nuisance behavior.
Several years ago, a black bear known as “Bob” wandered around the township for about a month, Mr. Schmalz said.
He said Bob came from a reserve in Franklin and eventually was trapped and taken back to his home.
Mr. Schmalz said Bob was spotted in Brunswick Acres, Monmouth Junction and around Friendship Road.
”(There were) sightings all over town,” Mr. Schmalz said.
According to the New Jersey DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife website, black bear attacks are very rare.
Feeding black bears is against the law in New Jersey and can carry a fine of up to $1,000, according to the website.
If a black bear is encountered, do not approach it, do not feed it, do not make eye contact with it and slowly back away from it, according to the website.
Make sure it has an escape route and do not run away from it, according to the website.

