Official Site of The State of New Jersey
As black bears in New Jersey continue to adapt to living in closer proximity to people and human development, they learn to take advantage of human-derived food sources. Fish and Wildlife has been conducting an intensive public education and outreach campaign to teach residents, hikers, anglers and campers about how to safely coexist with black bears and minimize negative interactions. Efforts have included presentations to school children, civic organizations, communities and other groups, as well as the development of an educational videos, public service announcements, brochures, signs and other educational materials. The black bear education program was awarded a national award for excellence in 1999.
Each year, Fish and Wildlife:
- Produces and distributes thousands of pieces of educational material to teach residents how to coexist with black bears.
- Presents hundreds of educational black bear seminars to tens of thousands of residents.
- Airs radio and television Public Service Announcements concerning bear behavior.
- Handles over 1,200 phone calls to provide advice and technical assistance to residents about black bears.
- Trains law enforcement officers to respond to black bear incidents.
Bear Education Materials and Public Programs Summary, 2007-2020
Bear Education Trunk for Educators
The Black Bear Education Trunk is a great resource for educators to use when teaching students grades K-12 about black bears. It includes an activity guide for educators, a bear hide, skull, casts of bear prints and lots of other hands-on materials. It is available for pick-up at the Northern Region Office (HedgeHaven), located in Hampton, NJ.
Contact:
Stephanie.Getto@njdepwptest.net
Cost: $50 refundable deposit; pick up and return trunk to the Northern Region Office.
Publications and Materials
Fish and Wildlife has produced a variety of educational literature and materials. To view a listing please visit the following link:
Bear Facts for Kids
Children should visit the following link to learn more about living with black bears in New Jersey and to find fun games about New Jersey’s wildlife.
Black Bear Presentation and Exhibit
NJDEP Fish & Wildlife is offering a limited number of black bear safety presentations free of charge. The “Know the Bear Facts” presentation is available to schools, summer camps, campgrounds, nature centers, scouts, hiking clubs, and municipalities. It covers the natural history and biology of the Garden State’s largest land mammal, bear research and management, and practical information on coexisting with black bears, including safety tips. The program includes an audio/visual presentation, show-and-tell items, and bear safety publications for distribution. In addition, Fish and Wildlife personnel are available to staff a tabletop black bear education exhibit at community events.
To request a presentation or the staffed bear exhibit, please fill out this form.
