Student Fends Off 'Aggressive Groundhog Attack': 5 Must-Read NJ Stories

Good evening, New Jersey Patch readers! We've assembled some of the most share-worthy stories from the state for today, just for you.

Here are the top five stories from New Jersey:

1. While walking on a Somerset County trail this summer, a woman was confronted by an aggressive groundhog — and a local teenager is being celebrated for rushing to help her fend the animal off. (Read more on Patch.)

2. Four black bears were seen roaming through a North Jersey neighborhood recently, including several young cubs. (Read more on Patch.)

3. A house fire killed a person and their cat Monday morning in South Jersey, authorities said. (Read more on Patch.)

4. Officials have identified the man struck and killed by an NJ Transit train in Red Bank over the weekend. (Read more on Patch.)

5. State police caught a group of "beef bandits" who are accused of stealing meat, seafood and alcohol from trailers parked along the New Jersey Turnpike. (Read more on Patch.)