Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • August 18, 2010 Franklin Lakes Council concerned about black bear sightings by Frank J. McMahon The frequent sightings and encounters with black bears in the Borough of Franklin Lakes have raised the concern of the borough council, which discussed the issue at a recent work session. Councilman Frank Bivona, who is running unopposed in November’s general election for the position of mayor, voiced concern about sitting idly by while the problem is escalating. He said the state’s plan to educate residents how to co-exist with the bears will help in the future, but he wants to take some action to talk to people about the problem now. “There’s got to be an expert out there,” he said, “we’ve got to look into a relocation program.” Councilman Steve Marcus, who chairs the council’s Public Safety Committee, told his peers that the borough’s former police chief advised him before he retired that the police cannot do anything about the bears unless there is a threat to humans, and then the police would have to shoot the animals. He noted that there is an abundance of black bears in northern New Jersey, especially in the Ramapo Mountains, and there had been a black bear sighting even as far east as Bergenfield. “There will be an injury to a human,” he predicted, “and then people will be outraged.” Bivona encountered a black bear in his backyard the next morning when he was going out to jog. He said it has been roaming in the south gate portion of Urban Farms for some time and it roams the neighborhood almost daily. He said he has a garbage shed in the rear of his house, but he thinks a can of recyclables attracted the bear. “He seemed quite comfortable by my presence and was not startled away,” Bivona said. “After he was done with his business, he casually walked away through the woods into the next yard.” Bivona said he thinks the bear was headed back to the preserve area by Reservoir Drive. “As beautiful as they are, they do pose a serious problem that we must address with urgency,” Bivona said. “I spoke with the New Jersey Fish and Wildlife Bear Project leader who was very informative. We are actively working on a plan to deal with (continued on page 23) A black bear that was sighted in Councilman Frank Bivona’s yard. Clean out your garage and trade in any adult bicycle in any condition for $25 off a new adult bicycle, one per customer. 396 Franklin Ave Wyckoff, NJ 201-891-5500 $25 Trade In Special Across from Aldo’s Restaurant Wyckoff Cycle LLC Princess 7 Nails & Spa $ Bikes for the Whole Family and the Pros WE REPAIR ALL BICYCLE BRANDS Eyelash Extensions • Facials • Massage Gift Certificates Available 25 - Manicure and Pedicure (Mon -Wed) $ 60 - LCN Gel Set One Year Anniversary Special 40 B Franklin Turnpike • Waldwick NJ • 201 444 8839 Open 7 days - M-F 9:30- 7:30 • Sat 9-6:30 • Sun 10-6 Summer Special ���������� ���������������� ������������� ��������������������� 8-11-10 Mike/Janine PrincessNails3x3(8-11-10) 3 x 3” Serving All Your Air Conditioning & Heating Needs Prompt, Reliable Service You Can Depend On, Plus The Personal Attention You Deserve. • Oil & Gas Heat Systems Serviced & Installed • Automatic Fuel Oil Deliveries • Tank Insurance Available 24 Hour Air ������������� ���������������������������������������������� it n tion ConsdInsiollaing ta , Sale & Service ����������������������� 201-891-1000 Emergency Service ���������������������