Woman Rescued After Possible Bear Encounter On NJ Trail

HARDWICK, NJ - Regional first responders are warning the public of a possible bear encounter on a hiking trail in Warren County that prompted paramedics to conduct a terrain rescue.

A woman was reported injured with a dog on Worthington State Forest’s White Trail (also known as the Appalachian Trail) Monday evening, Hunterdon and Warren County EMS said in a statement on social media.

“Park Police advising … [she was] possibly running from a bear, units to use caution,” the Facebook post read.

A spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection told Patch that the injury the woman received was incidental, evidently occurring while running.

"It’s not even clear if there was indeed a bear in the area or where it might have been," the spokesperson said.

Worthington State Forest visitors are urged to be “bear aware,” according to a notice on the NJDEP website.

“Black bears are found throughout New Jersey,” the notice reads. “Do not approach or attract bears by making food available. Feeding bears is dangerous and illegal. Never run from a bear!”

To report an aggressive bear in New Jersey, call 1-877-WARN-DEP (1-877-927-6337).