Bears

[yumasdad]

I live 3 blocks from GREENWOOD & they are a part of our daily lives. You have be smarter than the bear & learn to live with them.
We always carry snappers (firecrackers which do not require lighting-only throw to the ground & it sounds like a 22) every night when we walk Yuma....I go thru about 2-3 boxes (20 per box) per year so it just another day @ the rodeo.....see more bear than deer.

My wife & have spent many a time watching the momma bears eat pine cones while the cubs run around our house getting into trouble...running thru my fence, destroying the recycling, trying to master the hammock. They are really a pleasure to watch.

BOBCATS were scene in the hood this weekend & a friend saw a MTN LION on BASS rock on GWL earlier this year.

LIFE IN JUNGLE HABIT

[Wilson]

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is reminding residents of ways to reduce bear encounters and offering tips should they come within close range of black bears following a recent bear-human interaction at Ramapo Mountain State Forest. The Division is investigating whether the bear came in contact with one of the hikers, a 7-year-old boy.

In most cases, encounters between people and bears end without incident. However, If you see a bear, in particular one that does not show much fear, immediately contact the Department of Environmental Protection's hotline at (877) 927-6337, or (877) WARN-DEP.

For more information on the encounters in the state forest, as well as tips for hikers and homeowners, see the DEP news release at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/newsrel/2015/15_0077.htm .

[shrimpman steve]

Mountain lion. Was he sure that's what it was? I know they are moving east but didn't think they were here yet

[mondofish]

Originally Posted by shrimpman steve

Mountain lion. Was he sure that's what it was? I know they are moving east but didn't think they were here yet

A couple years back there were sightings in Connecticut. Days after the sightings one was found dead on a CT highway.

[RJHooker]

I have seen quite a few in Ringwood SP.

I ran into one male (guessing) blocking my exit from the model airplane field. Big sucker, guessing 300+ pounds, lighter brown color. He was rolling on his back in the grass playing with low hanging branches. He was about 150 ft away. I went to get my phone to take a pic and I look up to see him running in my direction.

Needless to say I sprinted for a hole in the fence that's not easy to find. Yeah, I know that's not what you should do, but this was no cookie cutter black. I had enough real estate between us for a confident escape. I'm not gonna pretend to be big against a charging bear who's way bigger.

Worst part of that area is that at least a mile from the nearest road. I drive my Forester up there now.

Went to BFB recently and thankfully didn't see any.

[Wilson]

Got this email today from the DEP.
Saw the video somewhere on the internet.

In recent weeks, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife has received numerous calls regarding an online video and news coverage of a black bear that has been walking upright in Oak Ridge, Passaic County. The bear is walking on its hind legs only due to apparent injuries to its front paws. The Division of Fish and Wildlife has been monitoring its movement and condition of the bear since last year and assures the public that the best course of action is to allow the animal to continue to live its life in the wild.

Based on video footage, interviews with residents, and the fact that the bear survived last winter’s very cold and snowy weather all indicate that the bear has been able to find adequate food sources and go through the course of its normal activities, including denning, without intervention from people. This is a much better situation than capturing the bear and making it live in captivity, as many callers have suggested.

While some people who have contacted the Division have suggested tranquilizing and relocating the bear, this poses its own risks. Tranquilizing carries the risk that the bear may not recover. Relocation may reduce the survival chances of the bear if it is placed in an area where it must compete with other bears for food.

Fish and Wildlife bear biologists believe it is best not to intervene or make attempts to capture this bear. If the condition and health of the bear clearly deteriorates, then biologists from the Division of Fish and Wildlife will respond accordingly.