First, there are only black bears in New Jersey (not brown or grizzly bears).Second, if you see a black bear on a trail, stay calm, never run, and back away slowly. Give the bear plenty of room to leave, and talk to it in a calm, assertive voice so it knows you are human.
Whether you’re hiking locally (like in the South Mountain Reservation) or traveling further out, knowing exactly what to do depends on the bear’s behavior.
1. If the bear is far away (Not paying attention to you)
- Don’t approach. Stop and wait for the bear to move off the trail, or quietly back away and take a different route.
- Make your presence known by speaking in a normal or calm voice so you don’t surprise it.
2. If the bear sees you and approaches
- Stand your ground. Do not play dead.
- Make yourself look big by raising your arms.
- Be loud and assertive. Yell, clap, or bang items together to scare the bear off.
- Back away slowly while keeping your eyes on the bear.
3. If the bear acts aggressively
- Watch for warning signs. If the bear pops its jaws, slaps the ground, or huffs, it feels threatened. Back away immediately.
- If it gets too close, deploy bear spray if you have it (spraying at the bear’s face when it is within 25 feet).
- If the bear attacks, FIGHT BACK. Unlike grizzly bears, you should never play dead with a black bear. Use sticks, rocks, or your fists to strike the bear’s face and muzzle.
Key Don’ts
- Never run: Bears can run as fast as horses, and running can trigger their natural chase instinct.
- Never climb a tree: Black bears are excellent climbers, so climbing a tree won’t keep you safe.
- Never drop your backpack: It offers important protection for your back.