Bears? Where? 2 Bergen County Police Departments Warn Of Sightings

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — At least two Bergen County police department warned their residents this month about bear sightings, and one included a cub.

If you take photos of bears that you care to share, email them (if you dare!) to caren.lissner@Patch.com.

In Ridgewood, police wrote last Wednesday, "We have received reports of a black bear roaming around the west side of town (Ridge and Willard School areas). Bears are native to this area and occasionally leave the woods in search for food. Please stay aware of your surroundings, secure garbage cans indoors if possible, and if encountered, make a lot of noise and slowly move away — do not run. Black bear attacks are rare and they are usually afraid of humans."

In Norwood, police wrote the same day: "Wildlife Warning: There was a sighting of a large black bear and cub near the entrance to the trail behind Rockleigh Borough Hall."

Experts have advised people to steer clear of bear cubs, as a momma bear may not be far behind.

READ MORE: Bears Have Killed In NJ. These Mahwah Teens Found A Way To Protect Kids

Further south, a bear and cub were spotted in Metuchen last Thursday.

The state Department of Environmental Protection, on their "Be Bear Aware" website, says that black bears are the largest mammal in the Garden State, and have been spotted in all 21 counties.

Have Killed In North Jersey And Elsewhere

Black bears rarely attack, but can be dangerous. If you see a black bear, don't approach it.

Last May, a bear killed a Chihuahua and injured another dog in Sparta.

In 2020, a black bear attacked an 82-year-old man in his garage in West Milford. The bear was euthanized.

In 2014, a black bear killed a Rutgers University student at a nature preserve in New Jersey.

And in 2002, a bear took a baby girl from her stroller in the Catskills and killed her.

The state site suggests that it's best to avoid leaving food out. If you see a bear, make noise to scare it away.

If attacked, don't "play dead"; instead, fight back. To read more about what to do and who to call if you see a bear, click here.

READ MORE: Video Shows Bear Family Running Past Bergen County Driveways