Bear Sighting in Summit

A free-ranging bear has been sighted around the Pine Grove Avenue area in Summit. Police are urging residents to keep small children and pets indoors as a precaution, and to ensure their garbage and recyclables are secured.

Lt. Robert Weck of the Summit Police Department said bear sightings seem to be higher than usual this year. Summit has had two other sightings over the past few weeks, Weck said. Union, Mountainside, and also have had bear sightings in recent weeks.

"We always go through this around this time," Weck said. "It's like they are everywhere."

Weck said several sightings were reported today in the Pine Grove area of Summit, though it could be the same bear roaming around.

Bears are not generally aggressive and tend to shy away from people; however, residents should take appropriate precautions, according to a Code Red alert issued Wednesday afternoon.

The American black bear is native to New Jersey. Over the last 30 years, the Garden State's black bear population has been increasing and expanding its range southward and eastward from the forested areas of northwestern New Jersey, according to the Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Since 1980, the DFW has steadily increased efforts to manage the black bear population and to be responsive to the increasing conflicts between bears and people, reports the DFW website. Since 2001, the agency has spent about $9 million on black bear management. DFW officials could not be reached for comment Wednesday afternoon.

The agency has provided tips for avoiding attracting bears and what to do if one is sighted. If a bear is causing an eminent danger, call 273-0051.