New Jerseyans will start to see an increase in black bear activity come spring. Early in the season the bears will wake up and leave their winter dens, according to Michelle Smith, a biologist with the New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife, making bear sightings in parts of the state not uncommon.

“Warren County is part of what we consider ‘bear country,’” Smith said.

Situated in an area where bear sightings are not out of the ordinary, Oxford Elementary School will hold an assembly on March 4 on bear safety.