Black Bear Seen In Manahawkin, Barnegat: Police

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — A black bear was spotted in Manahawkin on Wednesday afternoon, Stafford police said.

The bear was seen in the wooded area of Route 9, police said. As of 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, it was seen heading north near Cedar Bridge Road across from Southern Regional High School.

Police asked residents to stay away from the area and not to approach the bear.

The bear was later seen in Barnegat around 5 p.m. Wednesday in the area of Mutineer Avenue and Harpoon Drive, Barnegat police said.

Barnegat police reminded residents to keep trash covered and take down any bird feeders to avoid attracting the bear.

It is unclear if this is the same bear that was seen in Barnegat on Sunday.

If you do come in contact with a bear, stay calm and leave the area, the National Park Service said.