Bear Attacks, Wayward Cows, Plump Pigs and Hero Dogs: Top 2015 Animal News in N.J.

Animals across New Jersey made headlines in 2015. From runaway pigs, to backyard bears, to alligators in the Passaic River, there was plenty of animal-related news in the Garden State.

Here’s a look at some of the top stories that appeared on Patch. (Click on the headline for the full story.)

Family Dogs Save Child From Backyard Bear

350-Pound Pig Picked Up By Franklin Police

Bear Attacks, Traps Scoutmaster In Cave

400-Pound Bear Suspected of Attacking Livestock Killed in Chester

75 Farm Animals Dead, 200 Rescued From Home Where Alleged Child Endangerment Occurred

WATCH: ‘Oreo’ Cows Escape Long Valley Farm, Go Mooing In The Rain

Bald Eagle Calls Long Valley Home For The Weekend

‘Aggressive’ Bear Killed Goat, Fled Into Morris County Woods: Cops

WATCH: Alligator Captured From Passaic River

Wayne Dog Hailed As Hero After Alerting Of Fire

Holy Cow! Watch Bovine Barrel Through Morristown, Morris Twp.

Bear Fatally Attacks Llama In Long Valley

Dog Thrown Off Bridge, Bitten By Gator Finds Home In Monmouth County

Driver Flees Cops, Hits Woman Pushing Dog In Baby Carriage

One In Four Euthanized At N.J. Animal Shelters During 2014