Crime & Safety

Franklin Lakes Police Warn of Increased Black Bear Sightings

Residents encouraged to take steps to prevent attracting bears, and report sightings to borough police.

In recent weeks, the Franklin Lakes Police Department has been receiving a high level of reports of black bear sightings in the borough, Chief Joseph Seltenrich said in a release Wednesday.

He said that "virtually all of the incidents [involve] bears searching through, and feeding on, household trash."

According to authorities, there are a few ways to remedy the issue, including putting out garbage as close to pickup times as possible (but before 6 a.m.), washing out cans periodically to rid the food odors that attract animals, and removing leftover food from the bowls of outdoor pets.

Police are dispatched to all bear reports, Seltenrich said, regardless of whether they occur on private property or public roadways, and residents are encouraged to contact the department's non-emergency line at 201-891-3131 when they sight one of the animals.

Sightings can also be reported to the regional Wildlife Management Unit of the New Jersey Department of Fish and Wildlife at 908-735-7040.


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