JERSEY SHORE – The black bear sightings continue around the area, this time in Howell Township and Barnegat.
Could it be the same bear? It’s possible but that’s a lot of mileage to cover so it’s likely it’s not the same one. Could a bear make it from Howell to Barnegat in less than 24 hours? Probably not.
A bear was first spotted in Little Egg Harbor, then Lakewood and then Toms River. Howell police reported that there was a sighting through a residential neighborhood.
On the morning of June 26, Randi Dellova of Barnegat spotted a bear in her yard and was able to snap pictures before calling the authorities.
Barnegat Police issued an alert that they are tracking the bear near the rail trail on Rosehill Road traveling southbound.
Police have been in contact with the Department of Environmental Protection and they advised them they’ve been tracking a bear through multiple towns.
In all instances, the bear was not seen as aggressive, almost like he was passing through.
Once again, here are tips officials want you to know about bear safety:
- Never feed a bear. Deliberately feeding bears puts pets and other residents in the neighborhood at risk.
- Put garbage in tightly closed containers that cannot be tipped over.
- Remove sources of water, especially in dry climates.
- Bring pets in at night.
- Put away bird feeders at night to avoid attracting rodents and other prey.
- Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost piles.
- Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.
- Clear brush and dense weeds from around dwellings – this reduces protective cover for bears and makes the area less attractive.
- If a bear is present, make sure they know they’re not welcome. Make loud noises, blast a canned air siren.
