{"id":6544,"date":"2026-01-01T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-01T05:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/njfw\/?page_id=6544"},"modified":"2026-01-01T00:00:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-01T05:00:12","slug":"bears","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/deptest.nj.gov\/njfw\/bears\/","title":{"rendered":"Bears"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n\n
\n\n\n<\/a>\n
Black bears are not true hibernators and may be active throughout the year. Prevent bear encounters by securing garbage and other attractants. Learn More ><\/u><\/a><\/strong><\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n\n
\n\n\n<\/a>\n
To report black bear damage and nuisance behavior, call the DEP\u2019s 24-hour, toll-free hotline: 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337<\/u><\/a><\/strong>)<\/h5>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n

Black Bears in New Jersey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Black bears are the largest land mammal in New Jersey. They are an integral part of the state’s natural heritage and a vital component of healthy ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the 1980s the Garden State’s black bear population has been increasing and expanding its range both southward and eastward from the forested areas of northwestern New Jersey. Within the most densely populated state in the nation, black bears are thriving and there are now confirmed bear sightings in all 21 of New Jersey’s counties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DEP’s Fish and Wildlife personnel use an integrated approach in managing New Jersey’s black bear population, fostering coexistence between people and bears.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n