BEAR info -
To report a nuisance black bear, call the DEP's 24-hour, toll-free hotline:  1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).

If a bear is seen around your neighborhood, it is important to immediately discourage repeat visits. What you can do is determine if there is anything attracting it in your neighborhood that will cause the bear to return.  If you have unsecured garbage, pet food, barbecue grills, or other food items available in your yard, you should secure those items as soon as possible.
A nuisance bear is one that looks for handouts, hangs around because it thinks food is available, or becomes aggressive, etc.  More information about bears is available on this NJ website.

Due to a shortage of acorns this year, bears will be looking for alternative food sources and have already been more active trying to access them. If a bear lingers near your house for an extended time, despite loud noises being made -  report it before it causes damage.