On September 21, 2014, a fatal predatory black bear attack occurred in West Milford, Passaic County. It is the first documented bear fatality in New Jersey’s history.

Though extremely rare, such fatal predatory attacks have and do occur throughout black bear habitat in North America, including New York, Virginia, and other East Coast states. Predatory attacks can occur with little or no warning, unlike the actions of a bear that considers a person too close or threatening and may signal its unease by emitting a series of threatening huffs or popping sounds by snapping its jaws and/or swatting the ground.

The public is advised that this tragic event is far from the typical of usual bear/human interaction that occurs in New Jersey. While most bears will avoid people entirely if aware of their presence, the high bear density in New Jersey (particularly in the northern counties) and widespread human development and density, means people often come into contact with bears. Knowing what to do in an encounter and to avoid encounters in the first place, can ensure that people and bears can better co-exist in New Jersey.

Bear Encounters
Avoid Attracting Bears

Bear Resources