Bears The unwelcomed visitors

One of our visiting bears Under no circumstances should you attempt to photograph or approach a bear in any way.

Bear visitation Over the last few years, members of the University community have observed individual bears roaming on our campus on several occasions.

Why here Our proximity to the High Mountain reservation combined with the smell of food from buildings and dumpsters has probably attracted the bear to our grounds.

To discourage visitation To decrease the likelihood of a bear being attracted to our campus, everyone should properly dispose of garbage and should never leave food out for animals or birds.

Bears and their cubs are not dogs. Bears are dangerous wild animals and female bears are extremely dangerous when they believe their cubs are at risk of being injured.

What to do at a distance If you should encounter a bear at a distance, please respond to the presence of the bear in the following manner: Do not approach the bear. Make the bear aware of your presence by making noise. Call Campus Police ( ) and report the bear as soon as possible.

What to do if at close range If you encounter the bear at close range, please respond to the bear in the following manner: Remain standing, Avoid direct eye contact, Back up SLOWLY, Speak aloud in a calm yet assertive voice, and Call Campus Police ( ) and report the bear as soon as possible.

What to do if in a vehicle If you are inside a vehicle and observe a bear, please remain in the vehicle, sound your horn, and contact Campus Police if possible. Keep in mind that the noise from your horn may scare the bear away but it also alerts other people to the presence of the bear.

Five rules Everyone should comply with the following five rules: Never follow a bear, or encourage others to form a group to follow a bear. Never leave food out in the open or in your vehicle. Never hike alone in the adjacent wooded areas. Never provoke the bear. Never feed the bear. It is illegal in New Jersey to do so.

Five Rules Restated Avoid bears and distance yourself from them. Properly dispose of garbage and take food from your vehicle when you park. Hike with others. Avoid creating a dependent relationship with a bear. Obey the law. It is illegal to feed a bear in the State of New Jersey.

Additional information For additional information about bears in New Jersey, please refer to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website at: tm