Plainsboro officials have confirmed that there have been black bear sightings in the township within the past couple of months, the most recent of which occurred over the Labor Day holiday, but are emphasizing that no one should be alarmed.##M:[more]##
Joanne Lupica, the director of recreation for the township, said there have been a number of sightings throughout the region, but only two confirmed sightings in Plainsboro near the Plainsboro Preserve.
“The park ranger did report two confirmed sightings — one adult female and the other was a cub,” she said. There have also been a few other phone calls to Plainsboro police, but those reports have not been confirmed, she said.
However, Lupica stressed that residents should not be afraid to carry on with their daily activities, like going for walks, but did say that officials are advising residents on what to do if they encounter a bear. “Basically, you do not want to approach it,” Lupica said. “You do not want to make friends with it. You don’t want to get them used to being around people or encouraging them to come into a place where there are people. You also don’t run.”
She said that if someone sees a bear in one of Plainsboro’s parks, he or she should contact the park rangers — at either 609-799-090, ext. 354, or 609-897-7844 — or the police.
Lupica also directed residents to visit the state Department of Environmental Protection web site — www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/bearinfo.htm — where they can find safety tips and learn more about the black bears. — Cara Latham
