Crime & Safety

Two Bear Sightings Reported in Burlington County on Saturday

The sightings were reported in Evesham Township Saturday morning and Saturday night.

A bear was spotted two more times in Burlington County on Saturday, according to the Evesham Township Police Department's Facebook page.

At around 7:50 p.m. Saturday night, police notified residents the bear had most recently been spotted in the area of the police station headed west. Police reminded residents not to approach the bear.

Earlier in the day, the bear had been spotted in the area of Coventry Circle. That spotting was reported at 10:10 a.m.

Saturday was the third consecutive day that a bear was spotted in Evesham Township. It was seen on Thursday and Friday, and a bear was seen in Winslow Township in Camden County and Hammonton in Atlantic County this week.

Anyone who sees the bear is asked to call 911 or contact Evesham Township Police at 856-983-1111.

Earlier this week, police offered the following tips on what to do during an encounter with a bear:

* Remain calm and avoid sudden movements.

* Give the bear plenty of room, allowing it to continue its activities undisturbed. If it changes its behavior, you're too close so back away.

* If you see a bear but the bear doesn't see you, detour quickly and quietly.

* If a bear spots you, try to get its attention while it is still farther away. You want it to know you're human so talk in a normal voice and waive your arms.

* Remember that a standing bear is not always a sign of aggression. Many times, bears will stand to get a better view.

* Throw something onto the ground (like your camera) if the bear pursues you, as it may be distracted by this and allow you to escape.

* Never feed or throw food to a bear.

If a Bear Charges…

* Remember that many bears charge as a bluff. They may run, then veer off or stop abruptly. Stand your ground until the bear stops, then slowly back away.

* Never run from a bear! They will chase you and bears can run faster than 30 mph.

* Don't run towards or climb a tree. Black bears and some grizzlies can climb trees, and many bear will be provoked to chase you if they see you climbing.

* If you have pepper spray, be sure that you have trained with it before using it during an attack.

If a Bear Attacks…

* Be loud, waive your arms, and stand your ground.

* Fight back! Be aggressive and use any object you have.

* Only if you are sure the bear attacking is a mother who is protecting its cubs, play dead.

* If you have pepper spray, use it. Begin spraying when it's within 40 ft so it runs into the fog. Aim for the face.



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