STAFFORD – The black bear sightings continue around the Jersey Shore – this time in Manahawkin.
Stafford Township Police put an alert out on June 29 that the black bear had been located in the wooded area on Route 9 in Manahawkin. Police said he was last seen heading north in the area of Cedar Bridge Road across from Southern Regional High School.
Police urge you to stay away from the area and do not attempt to approach the bear.
A bear was first spotted a week ago in Little Egg Harbor, Lakewood, Toms River, Howell and Barnegat.
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.
The Department of Environmental Protection is working to track the bear or bears as it’s unlikely it’s the same one going from Ocean to Monmouth and back.
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.
