Bears

[The Birdman]

While trolling salmon at Wawayanda in May I witnessed a Coyote go after someones dog on the swimming beach. The owner had to chase it away with a big stick.

Wawayanda has tons of bears. The newark watersheds also have LOTS of bears. I usually see them at least 4-5 times / year from my boat.
In June, we witnessed a full grown bear swim straight across Clinton res.

[briansnat]

I've seen a a dozen or so while fishing, mostly from a boat. Only once while I was stream fishing.

I never had a "run in" while fishing. They tend to go the other way when they notice you. But if you do encounter an aggressive one, do not run, even if they charge (it's usually a bluff). Back slowly away while talking calmly. Make yourself as "big" as possible, for example if you have a net and rod, hold them out so you look larger (they have pretty poor eyesight). When you get to the car, change your underwear.

[thyer]

Fishing at Ramapo lake one morning. I hike up to lake and proceed on the walking path across the dam. Distance between the path and the water isn't more than 20 feet. I stop by one spot along the shore and start setting up my float tube. I got startled by someone, something walking across the path back into the woods. It was a bear that must have been having a morning drink while I walked right by him and I never saw him.

[NickN]

Saw 3 on the Big Flatbook last night. They are all over the place up there.

[Dave B.]

Originally Posted by NickN

Saw 3 on the Big Flatbook last night. They are all over the place up there.

There'll be 1 less up there come early Dec if I can help it, they're tasty!

As for close encounters, after decades of spending an average of 30 weekends a year camping in the area there are just way too many to go into. Suffice it to say that within 10 to 20 feet on dozens of occasions likely counts as close, that's without mentioning the couple hundred other, more 'distant' encounters.

[bling306]

One time, at Monksville, I was with a group of people, hanging out on the island when my buddy suddenly told us to be quiet. Next thing I know, I'm hearing a faint grunting sound that was getting somewhat louder. We walked to the edge of the island to see a 400lb or so bear swimming from one side of the reservoir to the other. He took one look at us and kept on swimming.