BEAR SIGHTING AT SIX MILE RUN

Repair work on the Landing Lane Spillway

 SEPTEMBER 14, 2023

BE AWARE: A call was received at the parks office from a hunter who reported seeing a large black bear at the Six Mile Run Recreation Area on September 13th not far from Skillman's Road between Route 27 and South Middlebush Road in Franklin Township.  We are asking all our park users to be alert and aware when using the trail network or hunting in the area. If you spot a bear immediately notify the DEP's 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).


BE BEAR AWARE & FOLLOW THESE TIPS:

  1. When possible, utilize trails in groups and create noise as much as possible (talk, sing, clap, play music, etc.). This will alert any bears to your presence and prevent an interaction.
  2. Never feed or approach a bear!
  3. DO NOT RUN. Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. Never run from a bear. Instead, slowly back away.
  4. Remain calm.
  5. Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises.
  6. Make sure the bear has an escape route.
  7. The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws and swat the ground. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact and do not run.
  8. If the bear approaches, try to scare it away by making yourself as large and imposing as possible by stretching your arms overhead and making loud noises. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head. Group together and pick up small children.
  9. If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. It is usually not a threatening behavior.
  10. Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, then slowly back away. Do not run.
  11. If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area.
  12. Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear does attack, fight back