Bear Sightings in Livingston, Montclair and Elsewhere in Essex County

Black bear sightings have recently been reported in Livingston, Cedar Grove, Fairfield and now Montclair.

Several residents have called police to say they saw a black bear in the area of Myrtle Avenue in Montclair on Monday.

"The bear was chased out of the area and was last observed going back into the woods from Lloyd Road," according to Montclair Police, who are urging residents to use caution. 

Myrtle Avenue is located on the southern end of town just blocks from Eagle Rock Reservation and Hillside School, where afternoon activities were reportedly cancelled on account of the bear in the area.

The New Jersey Division of Fish & Wildlife offers these bear safety tips.