Black Bear Roams Wayne, NJ Backyards, Raiding Bird Feeders

Bear Sighting in Wayne, New Jersey

• 🐻 A black bear was observed roaming through several backyards in Wayne, New Jersey, causing damage.
• 📸 One resident, Julia Van Sickle, spotted the bear in her backyard and captured photos, describing the encounter as exciting but from a safe distance.

Bear Behavior and Food Sources

• 🐦 The bear was seen moving down the street to Kenwood Road, where it actively destroyed bird feeders in search of food.
• 🏡 Another resident, Elizabeth Wnjiaak, noted that this was the first time a bear had stayed and "had a party" with their bird feeders.

Official Advice for Bear Prevention

• 🗑️ Town officials advise residents to put garbage out only on collection day, not the night before, to deter bears.
• 🐦 It is also suggested to only feed birds between December 1st and April 1st, a period when bears are less active.
• 🐕 Residents are advised to be more mindful of their surroundings, especially when letting dogs out, and to use flashlights at night.

Seasonal Bear Activity

• 🌲 New Jersey Fish and Wildlife officials state that bear sightings increase this time of year as animals search for food before winter.