Black Bear Spotted In Berkeley: Police

BERKELEY, NJ — There have been "some" black bear sightings in Berkeley Township recently, according to police.

While Berkeley police did not specify when or where bears were spotted, a post shared by a neighbor to the Ring app said that a bear had been seen on Bordeaux Court in Holiday City West. A screenshot shows it walking across a lawn.

"Although it seems unusual it does occur from time to time," Berkeley police said of the bear sightings.

Black bears are native to New Jersey. While prevalent in the northern part of the state, they "do occasionally make their way to our area," police said.

While bears are generally scared of humans, they are opportunistic feeders, and can end up outside of their usual habitat, police said.

"It goes without saying that you shouldn't attempt to make contact with a bear. Like any wild animal they can be dangerous," police said. "Seeing one can be alarming but there are some things you can do to prevent them from going by you."

The Department of Environmental Protection has some bear facts for homeownersand tips to avoid attracting bears.

If you encounter an aggressive bear or have property damage caused by a bear, police ask that you report it to the Berkeley Township Police at 732-341-6600.