Once the bear's hug has got you, it is apt to be for keeps.

- Harold MacMillan
 

History of the Black Bear in New Jersey

The black bear was an important part of New Jersey's early history.  Bears were abundant in every county of the state.  Native Americans and early settlers used bear meat as food.  Their sweet fat provided an oil for frying and a base for medicines.  Pelts were used for clothing and for trading.

Settlers changed New Jersey's landscape dramatically.  Forests, the type of habitat required by wildlife such as black bear, were cut and burned to make way for settlements, crops and grazing animals.  As a result, the black bear was pushed into the least productive and more remote areas of the state.  The black bear is a symbol of the last remaining wilderness areas in New Jersey.

Today, black bears have made a remarkable recovery from their low numbers in the mid 1800's.  However, the amount and quality of habitat and human tolerance remain the issues defining their future in New Jersey.

Black Bear Facts

	Black bears are native to the state.
	There are at least 500 black bears in New Jersey and their population continues to increase.
	Black bears can run up to 35 miles per hour and are excellent swimmers.
	Bears are excellent climbers, even as cubs.  An adult black bear will readily climb trees, both for food and protection.
	Bears are intelligent, and have excellent senses of smell and hearing.
	A black bear's diet consists of mostly plants and fruits.  They also eat small mammals, insects and carrion.
	Bears give birth every other year.  One to four cubs are born in winter dens.
	Male black bears can weigh more than 600 pounds, but average about 350 pounds.  Females average 200 pounds.
	Bears may live into their teens in the wild.
	Other than a female with cubs, or during the breeding season in June, bears are solitary creatures.
	Black bear do not typically exhibit aggressive behavior, even when confronted.  Their first response is to flee.  Black bears rarely attack or defend themselves against humans.

Camping in Black Bear Country

Seeing a bear is a memorable experience.  But remember, you are a visitor to their home.  The future of bears and the safety of others depends on you!

In order to more fully enjoy your camping or outdoor experience in Bear Country, the following "Ten Commandments of Camping" must be fully observed.

1. Keep a clean camp.  Food and all items that come in contact with food carry food odors that bears can smell.
2. Clean all utensils thoroughly immediately after use.  Never deposit food residues (for example cooking grease) into campfires.
3. Place garbage where bears cannot smell or gain access to it, either in bearproof containers or dumpsters.
4. DON'T burn or bury garbage.  Bears will dig it up.
5. Do not eat or cook in your tent.  Avoid storing food or attractants in tents, sleeping bags, or backpacks.
6. Treat non-food items such as gum, soap, or deodorant as food.  They are attractive to a bear's acute sense of smell.
7. Immediately store food articles after every use in airtight containers.  Coolers are not airtight and bears often associate them with food.  Secure them in a locked trunk or truck cab concealed from view.  Bears learn very quickly.  Black bears that associate food with people may become aggressive and dangerous.  This may lead to personal injury I property damage and the need to euthanise problem animals.
8. Cook only as much food as you will eat.  Avoid as much food garbage as possible.
9. Never attempt to feed a bear or any other wildlife.
10. Approaching wildlife, especially black bears, can be a dangerous activity.  Report all bear damage and nuisance incidents to the N J Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife at (908) 735-8793.

If A Bear Comes Into Camp:

	Remain calm.  Most bears are easily frightened into leaving.
	Do not feed the bear!
	Keep at least 15 feet away from the bear.
	Make sure the bear has an escape route.
	Yell, bang pots and pans, or use an airhorn to scare the bear away.
	The bear may utter a series of huffs, snap (pop) its jaws, and swat the ground.  These are all warning signs that you are too close.  Slowly back away.
	If the bear will not leave, move to your car or a building, if available.
	Remember: Bears chase off easier before they obtain food.  Keep a clean campsite.
	If a bear stands on its hind legs it is merely trying to get a better view rather than acting in a threatening way.
	Black bears will sometimes "bluff charge" when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food.  Stand your ground and slowly back away.

Hiking/Fishing in Bear Country

	Normal trail noise should alert bears to your presence and prompt the bear to leave before you ever see it.
	Use caution in areas such as berry patches where bears are likely to venture.
	Do not leave fish entrails on shorelines of lakes or streams. Sink entrails in deep water.
	Use common sense in a bear encounter - never approach the animal and observe only from a distance.  Make it aware of your presence by clapping, talking, singing, or making other sounds.
	If you encounter a bear at close range, remain standing upright, avoid direct eye contact, back up slowly and speak in a calm, assertive, and assuring voice.

Source: New Jersey Division of Parks & Forestry and New Jersey Division of Fish, Game & Wildlife, P O Box 400, Trenton, NJ 08625-0400

Big Black Bear

A big black bear walks into a beefsteak bar and says to the barman, "Barman, bring me a beer."

The barman says, "I'm sorry sir, this is a beefsteak bar.  We don't bring beer to big black bears."

So the bear goes, "Grrrrr! Barman, bring me a beer!" and belches broadly.

The barman says, "I'm sorry sir, this is a beefsteak bar.  We don't bring beer to big black bears, and we certainly don't bring beer to bears who belch broadly."

So the bear goes, "Grrrrr! Barman, bring me a beer!" and starts behaving badly.

The barman says, "I'm sorry sir, this is a beefsteak bar.  We don't bring beer to big black bears, and we certainly don't bring beer to bears who belch broadly, and we definitely don't bring beer to bears who behave badly."

So the bear goes, "Grrrrr! Barman, bring me a beer!" and badmouths the barman.

The barman says, "I'm sorry sir, this is a beefsteak bar.  We don't bring beer to big black bears, and we certainly don't bring beer to bears who belch broadly, and we definitely don't bring beer to bears who behave badly, and we refuse to bring beer to bears who badmouth the barman."

So the bear goes, "Grrrrr! Barman, bring me a beer!" and breaks a beaker.

The barman says, "I'm sorry sir, this is a beefsteak bar.  We don't bring beer to big black bears, and we certainly don't bring beer to bears who belch broadly, and we definitely don't bring beer to bears who behave badly, and we refuse to bring beer to bears who badmouth the barman, and we never bring beer to bears who break beakers."

So the bear goes, "Grrrrr! Barman, bring me a beer!" and takes a bite out of the bar.

The barman says, "I'm sorry sir, this is a beefsteak bar.  We don't bring beer to big black bears, and we certainly don't bring beer to bears who belch broadly, and we definitely don't bring beer to bears who behave badly, and we refuse to bring beer to bears who badmouth the barman, and we never bring beer to bears who break beakers, and in no circumstances will we bring beer to bears who take drugs."

"Eh?" says the bear, somewhat surprised.  "I don't take drugs."

"Really?" says the barman.  "What about that bar bit you ate?"

Source: news://rec.humor.funny

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