GLASSBORO, NJ – It’s obvious that bears live in New Jersey’s heavily wooded areas, but police are warning residents of a black bear sighting in the Glassboro Wildlife Management Area along a bike path.
While bears pose little risk to humans when they are avoided and left alone. police are making sure residents are made aware of the sighting and to know that they should give the bear its space and leave it alone.
“We have confirmed sightings of a black bear along the bike path. He was last seen in the Ridings area. He is likely in the Glassboro Wildlife Management area heading towards Glassboro,” the department said. “A black bear passing through an area and not causing a problem should be left alone. People should leave the area and allow the bear to continue on its way. When frightened, bears may seek refuge by climbing trees. If the bear does go up a tree, clear the area and give the bear time to climb down and escape.”
Bear sightings in south Jersey have been on the rise in recent years and interactions with humans have become more frequent as bears often venture out of their habitat to forage for food and seek out mates before the winter season approaches.