North Plainfield Office of Emergency Management

05/02/2026

https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/bears/?fbclid=IwRlRTSARjRLRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEes_99WuuGEljdeqv45LGe14SEcJAeJtxyg4HekQ6Tl2k22bXDtTCTJ3iLnN4_aem_Psf85wSTvc7semQGCLfrCg

NJDEP| Fish & Wildlife | Bears | Page Description

05/02/2026

With black bears emerging from winter dens and foraging for food, NJDEP Fish & Wildlife advises residents and outdoor enthusiasts to reduce the potential for black bear encounters by removing access to unnatural food sources, such as unsecured trash, that can attract and cause unwanted encounters with bears. The following tips can help minimize conflicts:
• Secure trash and eliminate obvious sources of food such as pet food bowls, easy-to-reach bird feeders, and food residue left on barbecue grills.
• Use certified bear-resistant garbage containers if possible. Otherwise, store all garbage in containers with tight-fitting lids and place them along the inside walls of your garage, in the basement, a sturdy shed, or other secure area.
• Wash garbage containers frequently with a disinfectant solution to remove odors. Put out garbage on collection day, not the night before.
• Avoid feeding birds when bears are active. If you choose to feed birds, do so only from Dec. 1 to April 1 during daylight hours and bring feeders indoors at night. Suspend bird feeders from a free-hanging wire, making sure they are at least 10 feet off the ground and 10 feet away from any object a bear could climb, such as a tree. Clean up spilled seeds and shells daily.
• Immediately remove all uneaten food and food bowls used by pets fed outdoors. Walk dogs on a leash if you live in bear country and keep them indoors or in a secure kennel at night.
• Clean outdoor grills and utensils to remove food and grease residue. Store grills securely.
• Do not place meat, dairy, or sweet foods in compost piles.
• Remove fruit or nuts that fall from trees in your yard.
• Properly install electric fencing as an effective way to protect crops, beehives, and livestock.

Report black bear damage or aggressive bears to your local police department or to NJDEP Fish & Wildlife by calling 1 (877) WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337).

For more information about living with New Jersey’s black bears, including what to do in case of a bear encounter, visit https://dep.nj.gov/njfw/bears/.

DEP Press Release: https://dep.nj.gov/newsrel/25_0013/

03/16/2026

02/23/2026

Keep roads clear for plows! Please park all vehicles off the street and do not shovel snow into the roadway. Help us keep our community safe and accessible

02/23/2026

** UPDATE **

🚨This Travel Restriction has been extended until 12 PM today. 🚨

A Travel Restriction is in effect to protect public safety and support emergency response operations.

This measure is intended to safeguard lives and allow emergency and utility crews to clear roadways and restore essential services as quickly as possible.

Please comply with the restriction and avoid unnecessary travel.

For official updates and preparedness information, visit www.ready.nj.gov.

02/22/2026

Blizzard conditions can create dangerous driving environments in a matter of minutes.

Heavy snow, whiteout conditions, icy roads, and strong winds can significantly reduce visibility, limit traction, and increase stopping distances.

If you do not need to be on the road, avoid unnecessary travel. If you must drive, slow down, increase following distance, and use caution.

For winter preparedness information, visit ready.nj.gov.

02/21/2026