Black Bear Runs Through New Jersey City Streets

On the morning of April 21, residents of Mercer County, New Jersey, saw a black bear running down the street. NJ101.5 tells in more detail.

The animal was spotted between Paxson Avenue and Edinburgh Road in the University Heights area of ​​Mercerville in Hamilton around 8 a.m. It was running along yards.

Animal control said they received several calls and went to the area to track down the bear.

The bear was not showing any aggression and was believed to be wandering around looking for food, Mayor Jeff Martin said.

On the subject: New York's wild animals: how to handle them safely

"We understand this may be alarming to residents, but black bears are generally shy and avoid interacting with people," Martin said. "We have posted information on our website and social media so the public knows what to do if they encounter a black bear and urge residents to keep their distance."

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection said it was aware of the bear but had taken no action.

Same bear in West Windsor

Members of the Hamilton Happenings in Mercer County NJ Facebook group hope the animal will be relocated to its natural habitat rather than shot.

Some speculate it was the same bear that was seen Saturday, April 19, in West Windsor in the Mews area and again off Penn Lyle Road. The area is 11 miles north of Mercer County Park.

Safety regulations

If you encounter a bear:

• do not feed the animal;
• do not approach him - he will aggressively defend his food;
• don't run away from him - running away can cause a pursuit reaction;
• Don't look him straight in the eye - the bear may perceive this as a challenge.

What to do:

• remain calm and back away slowly;
• let the bear know about you;
• Be loud: speak in a loud voice, shout, sing, or clap your hands. If possible, bang on pots and pans or sound the horn;
• Make yourself big. Wave your arms. Hold your jacket over your head;
• If you are in a group, stick together and do these actions together;
• Make sure the bear has an escape route. If it enters your home, leave all doors open.

If the animal does not leave, move to a safe place.

Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If they do attack, fight back! Aim for the muzzle and/or eyes. Use whatever you have at hand: a knife, sticks, stones, binoculars, a backpack.

Report black bear damage or nuisance behavior to the 1-hour toll-free hotline at 877-1-WARN DEP (877-927-6337-XNUMX).