Bear Awareness

Bear Safety


Educate yourself and others in your community about black bear behavior, habitats, and how to safely coexist using some tips below to protect you from attracting bears to your property and to protect you from an encounter with a black bear. For additional information, please visit https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/bears/bear-encounters/.

Tip to protect yourself from attracting a bear to your property:

  • Secure Trash and Food
    Keep garbage in bear-proof containers and avoid leaving food or food waste outside. This helps prevent attracting bears to residential areas.
  • Store Food Properly
    Store food, birdseed, pet food, and other attractants indoors or in bear-proof containers. It is best not to have a bird feeder on your property as it attracts bear.
  • Secure Outdoor Areas
    Keep barbecue grills, outdoor refrigerators, and other potential food sources clean and stored securely.
  • Avoid Feeding Bears
    Never intentionally feed bears or leave out food for wildlife, as this encourages dependency and can lead to dangerous interactions.
  • Secure Livestock and Pets
    Keep livestock and pets secured, especially at night, to avoid attracting bears looking for easy prey.

Tips to protect yourself from an encounter with a black bear:

  • Hiking and Camping Practices
    Make noise while hiking to alert bears of your presence.
    Keep a clean campsite, storing food and scented items in bear-proof containers.
    Hang food and other attractants out of reach from bears.
  • Stay Alert
    Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings when outdoors, especially in bear habitat.
  • Travel in Groups
    If possible, travel in groups when in bear country. Bears are less likely to approach larger groups of people.
  • Respect Wildlife
    Keep a safe distance from bears and other wildlife. Never approach or attempt to pet a bear.
  • Understand Bear Behavior
    Learn how to differentiate defensive behavior from predatory behavior in bears and understand appropriate responses.
  • Report Aggressive Bear Sightings
    Notify the Sparta Police of any bear sightings where the bear exhibits aggressive behavior or poses a threat to public safety.
  • Know Local Regulations
    Familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations regarding wildlife encounters and bear management.

Following these guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of negative encounters with black bears and help promote safety for both residents and bears in bear-inhabited areas.