August 7, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 9 Ramsey Recent black bear sightings prompt warnings A black bear is being sighted in the northwest part of Ramsey that includes Myrtle, Manor, Pine Tree, and Car- riage Lane. The borough’s police department reminds resi- dents of the following tips if they should see the bear. • Do not feed or approach the bear. • Remain calm and make the bear aware of your pres- ence. Talking or clapping will help. • Make sure the bear has an escape route. • Make noise, bang pots or pans; raise your arms and look as large as possible. • Bears may utter huffs or pops and snap their jaws as a warning if you are too close. • Bears may bluff charge if cornered. • Do not make direct eye contact with a bear. • Do not run away from a bear; slowly back away. DEP wildlife experts stress that a black bear passing through a residential area should not be considered a prob- lem, as long as it is behaving normally and is not posing a threat. If the bear is causes damage or becomes a nuisance, call the Ramsey Police Department at (201) 327-2400 or the New Jersey Department of Environmental Division of Fish and Wildlife at 1(877) WARN DEP. In a recent press release, Department of Environmen- tal Protection Commissioner Bob Martin noted that it is important not to feed bears. It is illegal to intentionally feed black bears in New Jersey and punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 per offense. But the more common problem is unintentional bear feed- ing by homeowners who unknowingly make household trash, pet foods, and other food sources easily available for bears to find and eat. “Securing your trash and eliminating obvious sources of food for bears, such as pet food left on decks, bird feed- ers, or food residues left in barbecue grills, is the best way to keep bears from being attracted to your home or prop- erty,” said David Chanda, director of the State Division of Fish and Wildlife. Bears have been sighted in all 21 New Jersey counties, and bear-human encounters have occurred a bit more fre- quently in recent years in places outside of traditional bear country, including more heavily populated suburban areas of the state. Area residents are urged to use certified bear-resistant garbage containers, if possible. Otherwise, store all gar- bage in containers with tight-fitting lids and place them along the inside walls of the garage or basement, or in a sturdy shed or another secure area. Wash garbage containers frequently with a disinfectant solution to remove odors. Put out garbage on collection day, not the night before. Those who choose to feed birds should do so during daylight hours, and bring feeders indoors at night. Suspend birdfeeders from a free-hanging wire, making sure they are at least 10 feet off the ground. Clean spilled seeds daily. Immediately remove all uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors. Clean outdoor grills and utensils to remove food and grease residue to minimize odors. Store grills securely. Do not place meat or sweet foods in compost piles. Remove fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard. According to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wild- life website, black bears are the largest land mammal in New Jersey. They are an integral part of the state’s natu- ral heritage and a vital component of healthy ecosystems. Since the 1980s, the state’s black bear population has been increasing and expanding southward and eastward from the forested areas of northwestern New Jersey. Division of Fish and Wildlife personnel use an integrated approach to managing New Jersey’s black bear population, fostering coexistence between people and bears. For further information regarding black bears visit www.njfishandwildlife.com.