Governor signs legislation making it illegal to intentionally feed black bears

 

(TRENTON) - Moving forward on a preventive measure that will help protect families from black bears, Governor James E. McGreevey today signed Assembly Bill 1109 into law, which bans the intentional feeding of black bears in New Jersey.

 

"The point of the new law is simple: Don't feed the bears.  Feeding bears has needlessly created risks to property, pets, livestock and the public," said McGreevey. "One person who feeds a bear creates a risk for the entire neighborhood.  Clearly, this is a preventive measure that seeks to reduce unsafe human and bear contact."

 

Currently, there are an estimated 1, 900 black bears concentrated in Sussex, Passaic and Morris counties.  In 2002, there have been 55 different incidents in which bears have broken into a house to search for food or have tried to gain entry.  There were 28 such incidents in 2001. Many of these incidents were directly caused by feeding of bears.

 

The Governor was joined by Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bradley Campbell and Assemblyman Guy Gregg.

 

"New Jersey's thriving black bear population is really a success story.  Black bears are majestic animals that reflect our state's rich natural resources but they are also powerful, wild animals,” said Commissioner Campbell.

 

The new law will make it illegal for a person to intentionally feed a black bear or to store food and garbage in such a way that will result in bear feedings.  Instead, persons should store garbage in air-tight containers in a secure area like a shed or garage, or should dispose of their garbage the day of pick-up, not the night before.

 

Violators will first receive a written warning before civil penalties will be assessed.  Subsequent violations will result in a civil fine of up to $1,000.  Municipal police, State Police, law enforcement within the Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Division of Parks and Forestry

will enforce the new law.

 

"We must also work to preserve the open spaces that provide the necessary habitat for bears and other wildlife resources, which means we must be smarter in how we support growth and development in our state," added McGreevey.

 

A-1109 passed the Assembly on May 6th and was substituted for S-1848 on September 30th, when it passed the Senate.