We Provide Humane Bear Trapping, Removal and Damage Repair Services
throughout New Jersey and Maine
Black bears range widely throughout North America, frequenting mountainous forests and swamps as well as woodlots in suburban neighborhoods. Bears are omnivorous and their diets vary seasonally. Their diet is mostly plant material, but also includes small mammals, carrion and garbage. Adult black bears typically weigh 100-300 pounds, but males can exceed 500 pounds. Bears are agile and quick, and they are excellent climbers. They are typically nocturnal and generally avoid people, but also readily adapt to and tolerate people. Bears typically den (hibernate) in fall (late October-early December) and emerge in spring (March-April). Some bears may not den at all if they continue to find sufficient food.
Around homes, bears may scavenge for food in garbage containers and bird feeders and for pet and livestock food left outside. They can damage buildings and vehicles while searching for human-provided food. Bears can also damage crops (especially corn) and beehives. They damage trees by clawing bark and breaking branches, and will feed from fruit trees.
Black bears by nature tend to be wary of people. However, if you encounter a black bear in your neighborhood or outdoors while hiking or camping, follow these common-sense safety tips.
• Do not feed bears!
Never feed or approach a bear!
• Remain calm if you encounter a bear. Do not run from it.
• Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises.
• Make sure the bear has an escape route.
• Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge.
• Never run from a bear. Instead, slowly back away.
• Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.
• The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws and swat the ground. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact and do not run.
• Black bears will sometimes "bluff charge" when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, then slowly back away and do not run.
If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area.
• Families who live in areas frequented by black bears should have a "Bear Plan" in place for children, with an escape route and planned use of whistles and air horns.
Black bear attacks are rare, however they are becoming more common in populated areas. If a black bear does attack, fight back!
If you discover a bear in your living space, give it a clear escape route and do not corner it. Do not lock the bear in a room. Exit the house and leave doors open to provide the bear an escape route. Contact local police and your state wildlife agency immediately. Once the bear leaves, investigate how it gained access to your living space and take corrective and preventative action. If bears were finding food on your property, remove all food attractants immediately.
Do not feed birds from April through November when they can easily make do with naturally available foods. This is especially important for avoiding problems with bears
If there is an early spring with melted snow and warm weather, it is a good idea to take your bird feeder down early
If you are approached by an aggressive bear avoid direct eye contact, speak in a soft, calm voice and slowly back away from the bear. These actions often will help appease the bear. The bear may slap the ground, huff, blow, and chomp its teeth or make a bluff charge to let you know it feels threatened and wants space. Do not run or turn your back to the bear. Bears can outrun, out-swim and out-climb you.
Make yourself appear bigger by raising your arms above your head, and continue to speak in a soft, calm voice and back away from the bear.
If you are actually charged and attacked, fight back rather than "play dead." Capsaicin, or concentrated red pepper spray, has been a useful repellent when sprayed directly into the face of the bear, but it is only effective at close range and for threatening encounters. Spray range is typically less than 30 feet. Do not use capsaicin spray on objects or plants as a bear repellent, it may actually attract bears.
Kick, punch, and hit the bear with your fists, feet, and whatever weapon might be available. Concentrate your attack on the bear’s face, eyes, and nose.
Get prompt medical treatment. Notify your state wildlife agency to report the attack and have the bear captured and tested for diseases.
Bears can be frightened from an area by shouting, clapping your hands, banging pots and pans, and using night lights, strobe lights, loud music, pyrotechnics, and trained guard dogs. To be effective over the long-term, you should change the position of the device or method regularly so the bear does not become used to it. If a bear does not flee almost immediately or becomes accustomed to a particular method, stop and try a different method. Use all methods at a safe distance and location from the bear. If problems persist after attempting several methods, contact a professional.
Bears can also be deterred and frightened by shooting them with paintballs. Aim for the large muscle mass in the hind quarter of the bear and avoid the head and front shoulder area. The idea is to frighten the bear, not injure it.
Serving the Following areas for Bear Control and Removal:
Maine (Counties: Aroostook, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington)
New Jersey (Counties: Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Somerset, Union)