A black bear was spotted roaming near a popular shopping center in Mercer County earlier this week, creating a stir among residents and local authorities. The bear was seen on Monday near Mercer Mall in Lawrence Township, prompting warnings to nearby residents. This rare urban wildlife encounter highlights the growing number of bear sightings in the area, as wildlife experts caution residents to stay alert.
Unusual Encounter in Urban Area
The sighting occurred in the early morning hours on Monday, when shoppers and employees at the Mercer Mall noticed the bear moving around the property. While black bear sightings in more rural areas are not uncommon, seeing one so close to a popular shopping center is unusual. This marked the latest in a series of bear encounters that have been reported in the region.
Earlier in the week, another bear was spotted in the nearby Yorkshire Village neighborhood of Lawrenceville. A local resident managed to capture a video of the bear crossing the street before darting into a nearby wooded area. This prompted concern for the safety of local residents and businesses, as black bears are typically not seen in such densely populated areas.
A Seasonal Phenomenon
Experts suggest that the recent bear sightings are part of a natural seasonal occurrence. Black bears, like other wildlife, emerge from hibernation in the spring and begin to search for food. This process can lead them into urban areas as they scavenge for easily accessible food sources. With food in short supply in the wild during this time of year, bears may be drawn to areas where they can find leftovers, garbage, or even bird seed.
“Bears are constantly on the move during this time of year. They are foraging and looking for food,” said wildlife expert John Doe from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. “While bear encounters in urban areas are rare, they do happen, especially as bears emerge from hibernation.”
What to Do If You Spot a Bear
If you happen to encounter a bear, authorities urge residents not to panic. Instead, they recommend making noise to alert the bear to your presence and slowly backing away. Running or approaching the bear can provoke it to feel threatened.
Residents are also advised to avoid leaving food outside, such as garbage or bird feeders, which can attract bears. These simple precautions can help prevent future bear visits. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has issued guidelines for safely coexisting with wildlife in urban settings, emphasizing the importance of securing trash and removing food sources that could attract bears.
Bears are naturally curious animals. If they find food sources in residential or commercial areas, they will return,” said a spokesperson for the NJDEP. “Taking simple measures like securing trash cans and removing bird feeders will go a long way in reducing these types of encounters.
Reporting a Bear Sighting
If you see a bear in a non-emergency situation, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection encourages residents to report the sighting to local authorities. Residents can contact the NJDEP’s hotline at 877-WARN-DEP (877-927-6337). Emergency situations, such as a bear acting aggressively or entering a building, should be reported immediately by calling 911.
In addition to reporting sightings, residents are also encouraged to take safety precautions such as keeping pets indoors and being mindful of their surroundings when outdoors.
A Growing Trend
Black bear sightings have increased across New Jersey, with more reported in suburban and urban areas. The state’s Department of Environmental Protection has been working on strategies to help residents handle bear encounters, offering resources and educational materials about wildlife behavior. These measures aim to reduce the number of bear sightings in populated areas and ensure public safety.
For more information on how to handle bear sightings and prevent encounters, visit the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website at www.njfishandwildlife.com or the New Jersey Department.
