A hiker encountered a bear just over the ridge where the yellow and blue trails meet, police said. The bear did not threaten the hiker, according to police.
Bear prints were seen in the area, indicating that the bear was moving in an easterly direction toward the Palisades Interstate Parkway, police said.
Here are some black bear tips from police:
- Don't EVER feed a bear! It's dangerous, illegal, and it's what makes bears problematic and aggressive.
- Pay attention for scat, tracks, and claw marks. Take special care when hiking off-trail or in areas with berries. Clap, sing, or otherwise make noise to alert bears to your presence. Keep your dog on a leash.
- Don't run if you see a bear. Instead, back away slowly. Try not to make eye contact. Make noise instead, and wave or raise your arms so you look bigger. When a bear raises up on its hind legs, it is usually just trying to get more information, not issuing a threat. If a black bear swats the ground, huffs, or bluffs a charge, you are too close to it.
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