The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife is offering the public more opportunities to learn about black bears and understand their behavior this spring. As black bears begin emerging from their winter dens and become more active, schedule a bear-education seminar for school, neighborhood group or other local organization. The program will address the Garden State’s largest land mammal, and offer common-sense tips on how to react if you encounter a black bear near your home or when you’re hiking, camping or fishing. What’s more, the seminar will provide details on simple precautions you can take to discourage bears from becoming a nuisance near homes. Bear-education seminars are free and available to schools, municipalities, homeowner associations, civic and environmental organizations and a variety of other audiences. To inquire about scheduling, contact Al Ivany at 609-292-2084 or by e-mail at Alfred.Ivany@dep.state.nj.us.