Bear Spotted in Ocean County

Authorities are advising Ocean County residents to take precautions after a black bear was spotted near homes Wednesday morning.

The bear wandered into Manchester Township's Roosevelt City section, according to officials.

Police and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife responded to the sighting and relocated the bear to the Pasadena Wildlife Management Area, which is a tract of preserved land located in Ocean and Burlington counties, according to reports.

Even though the bear was moved without incident and authorities say attacks by black bears are extremely rare, officials still warned the community to take caution should they spot the animal again.

Families who live in areas black bears may frequent should have a safety plan in place so both children and adults are familiar with an escape route, according to the state's Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Other tips include:

-Never feed or approach a bear.

-Remain calm if you encounter a bear.

-Make a bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing or clapping your hands.

-If a bear enters your home, provide it with an escape route by propping all doors open.

-Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge.

-Never run from a bear. Instead slowly back away.

-To scare the bear off, make loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans, or using an air horn. Make yourself appear as large as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stnad close together with your arms raised above your head.

-If the bear utters a series of huffs, makes popping sounds by snapping its jaws, or swats the ground, consider those warning signs that you are too close.

-If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area.

Anyone who spots a black bear or damage it caused should contact the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection at 1-877-WARN-DEP.

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