New Jersey Urges Residents to Secure Food for Bears
State wildlife officials warn that black bears are packing in food before winter denning, raising the risk of bears approaching homes.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Wildlife
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The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection has issued bear-safety guidance as black bears prepare to den for winter. Officials say bears with a highly developed sense of smell can detect food sources from long distances.
Why it matters
Bears that learn to associate people with food can become nuisance animals that damage property and pose risks to residents. Securing garbage, bird feeders and camping supplies helps keep both people and bears safe across New Jersey.
Feeding a bear is illegal in New Jersey and can draw a fine of up to $1,000, and bears have been reported in all 21 counties. Officials did not provide a current statewide bear population estimate in the guidance.
The players
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
The state agency responsible for environmental regulation and wildlife management, including its Fish & Wildlife division that oversees the state's black bear population.
The details
Officials recommend storing garbage in a certified bear-resistant container or one with a tight-fitting lid kept in a garage, basement or sturdy shed. Bird feeders should be used only during daylight hours, hung from a free-hanging wire at least 10 feet off the ground, and spilled seed swept up daily.
Timeline
Fall: black bears pack in food before winter denning.
Wildlife Context
The NJDEP Fish & Wildlife black bear management program has expanded bear range across northwest New Jersey, and this fall guidance extends that program's public outreach. Residents in the state's bear-range counties are the primary audience for these food-securing measures.
Residents who store garbage, bird seed or camping supplies outdoors should move them into a bear-resistant container or sealed space to avoid drawing bears to their property. Keeping bird feeders to daytime use and cleaning up spilled seed each day reduces the chance of attracting bears.
The takeaway
Securing food sources now is one of the most effective ways to keep black bears from becoming nuisances during the fall. Simple habits like sealing garbage and limiting bird feeders to daylight hours protect both residents and bears.
Further reading
For more on living alongside local animals, see Wildlife coverage across the state.
More information
Find bear-safety guidance and reporting details on the NJDEP Fish & Wildlife bear information page, or call 1-877-927-6337 to report a bear sighting.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NJ.
Live Poll
Do you secure your trash and bird feeders to keep bears away?
