Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Bear Heads to Hainesport

The most recent sighting was at 11:15 a.m.

UPDATE: The black bear that has been seen throughout Burlington and Camden counties was last seen around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday night heading into Hainesport Township, Mount Laurel police said. The bear had been seen in Mount Laurel twice on Tuesday.

ORIGINAL: The black bear that has been seen throughout southern New Jersey for the last week was last seen in a wooded area near Elbo Lane and Hainesport Road in Mount Laurel around 11:15 a.m., Mount Laurel Police announced Tuesday afternoon.

Police expect the bear to seek a cool place to hide for the day and to start moving again later Tuesday afternoon or evening.

There are currently no plans to capture the bear.

Earlier on Tuesday, the bear was seen on Mount Laurel Road near the New Jersey Turnpike. With Tuesday's sightings, the number of bear sightings throughout the area is now at 15. The bear has been seen in Winslow, Waterford, Evesham, Medford and Mount Laurel.

On Tuesday, the Moorestown Police Department issued the following tips on what to do in case of a bear sighting:

• If a bear enters your home, provide it with an escape route by propping all doors open.

• Avoid direct eye contact and never run from a bear. Instead, slowly back away.

• To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans or using an air horn. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.

• The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws and swat the ground. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact and do not run.

• If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. It is usually not a threatening behavior.

• Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, then slowly back away and do not run.

• If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area.

• Immediately notify the DEP's 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337) and call Police at 856-234-8300.

• Families who live in areas with high black bear populations should have a “Bear Plan” in place for children, with whistles, air horns and an escape route.

• Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back!


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