SOUTH BRUNSWICK – A video showing a black bear going through garbage on Georges Road is the first sighting reported this year in South Brunswick.
South Brunswick Police released the video and a statement saying that black bears typically travel though the community this time of year. Most bears avoid human contact and live in wooded areas away from residential neighborhoods. Within South Brunswick, most bear sightings are while they are moving from one area to another through natural wooded corridors, police said.
To report a nuisance black bear, call the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection’s 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).
Call 911 if there is an immediate threat to humans or attacks a pet.
Never feed bears or instigate them by cornering them or throwing objects at them. Cover garbage cans with a secure lid, avoid bird feeders during bear season and immediately remove all uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors.
If you encounter a bear, remain calm and do not run. Make sure the bear has an escape route. Avoid direct eye contact and back up slowly
For more information, call the South Brunswick Police Officer George Vit at 732-329-4000, ext. 4460.
More information can be found at www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/bearfacts.htm