Black Bear Spotted In Bergen County Town, Mayor Warns

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Amid recent reports of black bear sightings in Bergen County, the mayor of Cresskill said Monday that one had been spotted in his area.

"A black bear was sighted this morning crossing Churchill Road to Westervelt Place and toward Hillside Avenue," warned Mayor John Morgan. "Patrols were increased in the area with no further sightings. Schools and crossing guards were notified. The Cresskill Police Department is aware and monitoring."

Also on Monday, a Bergen County lost-and-found pet group posted a photo of a bear in Demarest, saying they weren't sure if it was the same bear as in Cresskill.

Several other bear sightings have been reported in Bergen County recently. Last week, the Englewood Health Department posted that a bear had been seen in that town, advising residents not to leave food outside and to keep pets indoors.

"Bears will typically move on once food is no longer accessible," they said. "Stay alert and give wildlife plenty of space."

Bears Have Killed In NJ

Bears usually stay away from humans, experts say, but have killed people and pets in New Jersey.

In May 2024, 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's "Bear Bear Aware" 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.

According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, black bears are now found in all the state’s 21 counties.

Last year, Mahwah High School students decided to raise awareness about how to react when a bear appears, trying to educate children and reduce the risks. The students brought their book, "The Adventures of Bergen the Bear," to local schools.

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