Bear Sighting Reported In Freehold Township

Freehold NJ

19 May, 2022

5:48 PM

Description

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, N.J.—Police here say they had a confirmed sighting of a black bear in the area of Coachman Drive around 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, according to Det. Sgt. Joseph Winowski. The bear spent some time by a bird feeder and then ventured on, he said. Department of Environmental Protection officials advised there is no cause for concern based on their observations. Monmouth County does not have the same frequency of these sightings as other counties, but they do occur from time to time, he noted in an emailed statement. The office of Fish and Wildlife at the DEP advises that New Jersey residents, especially those in areas frequented by black bears, should take steps to avoid attracting bears with food or garbage. Some residents may observe black bears using yards as part of their natural travel corridors. The mere presence of a black bear is not considered a problem. Generally, bears tend to be wary of people. But it is important not to leave out any food or garbage that may encourage bears to linger in residential areas, the department advises. "Black bears learn very quickly and bears that are fed intentionally or unintentionally by carelessly leaving out food or garbage will associate people with food. Bears will eat almost anything including human food, garbage, pet food, birdseed and small livestock. Once they find an easily accessible food source, like garbage in a housing development, they will lose their wariness of people and may return to the available food source. These bears can become a nuisance or aggressive and may have to be trapped," the state advises. At the DEP's request, the police department urges residents to learn about bear facts. Send news tips to Pat McDaniel at [email protected].