BATS
Bat activity typically increases from May through September. For further information on bats, click here

Click here for Lyme Disease Prevention Message

BEARS
Bears are becoming a greater problem with humans here in the Garden State. This is due to the increased numbers of humans in wilder areas, increasing the chances of contact with the natural bear population. Within the past few years, bears have been observed in surrounding communities to Bridgewater, including Manville, Peapack, and Readington, and other more populated places to the east such as South Brunswick, North Brunswick, and New Brunswick. More recently, aggressive behavior from bears has been reported in New Jersey. In 2003, the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife recorded two aggressive contacts with humans. Fortunately, only minor injuries were reported in these instances.

These interactions between wild animals and humans are certainly not new, but they can be prevented. The three most important methods of preventing injuries to either yourself or an inquisitive bear are:

1. NEVER place yourself between a mother bear and her cub(s);
2. DO NOT run. Bears can run as fast as 30 mph, and they can climb trees.
3. ALWAYS make as much noise as possible. Yell as loud as you can, bang pots, and scream.

Following these simple rules will allow chance encounters with bears to have a positive outcome. Bears are not vicious creatures. If one happens to find its way into your backyard, it is either being inquisitive, or is simply trying to find a different place to live, since it probably got kicked out of the place where it was before. By scaring it away from your house, it will know not to go back there. In addition, the NJ DEP suggests that keeping garbage, pet foods, and bird feeders secured from bears can reduce the number of problem incidents
Click here for more information on bears.

DEER REPELLENTS
The proper use of repellent sprays along with deer-resistant landscaping techniques may help to significantly reduce the impact of deer browsing on residential properties in the Township. There are many brands of deer repellents commercially available. Click here to learn how to reduce your risk of deer collisions.

HUNTING
Interested property owners can allow deer hunting on their property by having a licensed hunter complete the “Hunt Smart Courtesy Card” (click to download) from the New Jersey Division of Fish, Game & Wildlife. This card must be completed by both the property owner and hunter. Each party should keep their half of the card, which serves as a legal document allowing temporary use of the property for hunting.

Sports hunters are required to comply with all state laws and local ordinances. Furthermore, all safety procedures must be applied as outlined in the New Jersey Hunter Education Program. Further details on sports hunting regulations may be found at the New Jersey Division of Fish, Game and Wildlife website at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/

COYOTE SIGHTINGS ON THE RISE
Coyote sightings are on the rise in Somerset County. These predators have been known to attack dogs, cats, and other small pets. Residents are encouraged to learn more about coyote habits by clicking on the following link

AVIAN INFLUENZA (Bird Flu)
Information on Bird Flu | Avian Influenza (Flu) (cdc.gov)

For more information on any of the above topics, please contact the Bridgewater Health and Community Services office at (908) 725-6300 ext. 5200 or by email at health@bridgewaternj.gov .