A new bill require residents in certain areas of New Jersey inhabited by black bears to use bear-resistant trash and food storage containers and would prohibit them from feeding the bears or deposing of food in a way that would attract the animals Watch video
TRENTON -- Feed a bear, get a fine -- even if you do so inadvertently.
Such is the gist of a new bill that began advancing in the state Legislature this week.
The measure (S687) -- which the state Senate's economic committee approved Monday -- would require residents in certain areas of New Jersey inhabited by black bears to use bear-resistant trash and food storage containers and would prohibit them from feeding the bears or deposing of food in a way that would attract the animals.
The bill would also ban intentional baiting practices in the municipalities located in the areas.
First offenders who violate the ban would be fined $50. The fine for second offenses would be $50 to $250, followed by $250 to $1,000 for subsequent violations.
"Food is the biggest factor when bears are drawn to residential communities or businesses," said state Sen. Raymond Lesniak (D-Union), the main sponsor of the legislation. "Our waste is their food. They come to eat, but it brings them too close to people. Eliminating the attraction will reduce the risks, making it safer for humans and the bears."
Agricultural operations that inadvertently lead to bear feedings would be exempt from the ban.
Lesniak added that the measure could eliminate the need for the state's controversial bear hunt -- something critics say is cruel but advocates say is needed to keep the bear population down.
"This is a smarter and more humane way of managing the bear population in a heavily populated state that includes wildlife and natural resources," the senator said.
The measure still needs to be passed by the full state Senate and full state Assembly and then signed by the governor to become law.
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Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.