Bear Spotted On Union County Train Tracks: Police

UNION COUNTY, NJ — A bear was spotted on the border of Rahway and Linden Friday afternoon, according to an alert from Rahway Police.

Rahway Police said the bear was last seen on Elizabeth Avenue on the train tracks near the Linden border. Police are actively attempting to locate, contain and tranquilize the bear.

In related news, a bear was spotted walking through backyards in Westfield on Thursday.

Read more: Black Bear Sighted In Westfield Thursday Morning, Police Say

Rahway Police said to take the following precautions:

• Never feed or approach a bear!
• Remain calm.
• Make the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises.
• Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge.
• Never run from a bear. Instead, slowly back away. To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans or using an airhorn. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.
• The bear may utter a series of huffs, make popping jaw sounds by snapping its jaws and swat the ground. These are warning signs that you are too close. Slowly back away, avoid direct eye contact and do not run.
• If a bear stands on its hind legs or moves closer, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. It is usually not a threatening behavior.
• Black bears will sometimes “bluff charge” when cornered, threatened or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, then slowly back away. Do not run.
• If the bear does not leave, move to a secure area.
• Immediately notify the DEP's 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).

Patch will continue to update this article as more information becomes available.