Black Bear spotted in Lakewood

Children riding their bikes spotted a black bear last night in Lakewood.

According to thelakewoodscoop.com:

The children were reportedly riding their bikes in the area of Iris Road, when they spotted the bear. The frightened boys reportedly jumped off their bikes and ran.

The video above shows the creature casually ignoring having his name mispronounced and being laughed at....with no attempt to correct the guy on tape with ferocious annoyance, much to my dismay. :-D

It might be natural to run away when you suddenly find yourself near a black bear, as is immediately losing all bladder and bowel control, as well as screaming like a girl and behaving like a complete idiot (that's what I'd do).

Surprisingly, that's actually not recommended. :-D

Here's what state of New Jersey officials recommend when encountering black bears:

Do not feed or approach the bear!

Remain calm and make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in a calm,
assertive voice.

Make sure the bear has an escape route.

Yell, bang pots and pans or use an airhorn to scare away the bear. Make yourself look as
big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together
with your arms raised above your head.

The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping sounds by snapping its jaws and swat
the ground. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back
away and avoid direct eye contact. Do not run.

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 usually is not a threatening behavior.

Black bears will sometimes bluff charge when
cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food.
Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact and then
slowly back away. Do not run.

If the bear will not leave, head for nearby shelter.
Remember that black bear attacks are extremely rare.
If a black bear does attack, fight back.

More info about black bears in New Jersey here.