Black Bear Spotted In Holmdel Neighborhood

HOLMDEL, N.J.—A black bear was seen on video early this morning on Hillcrest Road, according to police.

New Jersey Fish and Wildlife believe that the bear will move on from the area soon, according to the police statement on Facebook.

If you see the bear, police advise that you call 877-927-6337, a Department of Environmental Protection Hotline that will prompt you to press #2 to report a wildlife issue.

Fish and Wildlife will not respond to remove the bear from this area unless it gets into a fixed position, such as a tree or an enclosure, police said.

They advised that, in general, as long as bears have avenues of escape the agency will not remove the bear.

Police will continue to monitor this situation and say residents can always call the Holmdel Township Police Department at 732-946-4400 if there is an emergency.

Black bears have been recorded walking around various sections of Middletown, most recently at Green Meadow Boulevard off Dwight Road at around 1:15 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, police there said.

There also have been multiple black bear sightings last week in the area of Upper East Highland Avenue and Lenape Woods in Atlantic Highlands, police there said.

Capt. Shannon Martiak, NJ State Conservation Police, Fish and Wildlife said to "Please avoid contact and do not leave any garbage cans out longer than necessary."

He said do not leave food out in the yard, bring pets inside and secure garbage cans. And do not try to capture or kill the bear.

Go to the "Bear Facts" website for for more information.