To report a nuisance bear or for assistance contact the Wildlife Control Unit at 908-735-8793 (north), 609-259-7955 (central) or 856-629-7224 (south).

	Residents Are Reminded: Don't Feed the Bears - DEP News Release, 5/7/08
	Summary of Public Input on Black Bear Management - 8/21/07
	An Analysis of the Feasibility of Using Fertility Control to Manage New Jersey Black Bear Populations - NJ DEP Div. of Science and Research Report, October 2006

Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy (under DEP review)
DEP Commissioner Lisa Jackson's Letter to the Fish and Game Council Regarding the Comprehensive Black Bear Management Policy Review - 11/15/06 (pdf, 478kb)

Questions and Answers about New Jersey's Bears
Public "Living In Bear Country" Programs

2005 Black Bear Hunting Season Results
2003 Black Bear Hunting Season Results
Black Bear in New Jersey - Status Report 2004 (pdf, 400kb)
1997 Black Bear Management Plan (pdf, 355kb)

Black bears are the largest land mammal in the Garden State and live in forested areas throughout northern New Jersey. Here in the most densely populated state in the nation black bears are thriving in close proximity to people.

Black bears are native to the state, but as land was cleared for settlements, timber and farms, and bears were killed indiscriminately, their numbers decreased and their range reduced to the most remote areas in the northern part of the state. The population recovered after being afforded the protection of game animal status and habitat improved as forests matured. Today, New Jersey's black bear population is increasing and expanding as is the number of conflicts between humans and black bears.

In an effort to reduce those conflicts, the Division has conducted an extensive education program and produced educational and informational materials about living in "bear country".

The following table describes the information and materials available to the public:

Title	Description	On-line	Mail
Questions and Answers about New Jersey's Bears	Factual answers to the most commonly asked questions about NJ black bears. Updated June, 2006	Yes	No
Be Bear Aware (pdf, 230kb)	A brochure developed for those living, camping, hiking or fishing in bear country. Includes bear facts, how to minimize the likelihood of conflict and what to do if you encounter a bear.	Yes (pdf, 230kb)	Yes
Black Bears in New Jersey	A "slide show" about black bears in the Garden State.	Yes	No
Black Bear Damage and Nuisance Prevention (pdf, 373kb)	Brochure highlighting ways to prevent and minimize problems with bears.	Yes (pdf, 373kb)	No
Bear Facts for Kids (pdf, 85kb)	Brochure with information for kids about what to do if they encounter a bear and some cool facts.	Yes (pdf, 85kb)	No
Be Bear Aware Poster (pdf, 96kb)	Poster on being a good neighbor in bear country	Yes (pdf, 33kb)	No
"Know the Bear Facts" program	A presentation for schools and organized groups about coexisting with bears in New Jersey.	No	No
Bear Necessities of Safety	A coloring book produced in cooperation with Sussex County's 4-H Lions, Tigers and Bears Oh My! Club.	Yes	No
Garbage Guidelines	A flyer distributed to residents of "bear country" with tips on how to manage their garbage.	Yes	No
"Bear-proof" Trash Container Manufacturers	A list of contact information for companies who make "bear-proof" trash containers.	Yes	No
Black Bear Sighting/Incident Report Form (pdf, 35kb)	Tell our biologists about any bears that you have seen.	Yes (pdf, 97kb)	No

On-line brochures are in black & white to avoid large file size and lengthy download time.