Bear Spotted In Mercer County Friday, Officials Say

MERCER COUNTY, NJ - A black bear was spotted in Ewing Township on Friday morning, authorities said.

The bear sighting was reported in the area of Lopatcong Drive, according to the office of Mayor Bert Steinmann. The area borders Lawrence Township

"I'd like all residents to remember that wildlife is more active this time of year so if you see a bear do not feed or approach it under any circumstances. If you see a bear please move to a safe location and call 911 immediately so that the Police and Animal Control can respond," Steinmann said.

"Additionally, I would ask for all residents to please secure their trash cans and temporarily take in any bird feeders so that they do not attract the bears."

Over the past few weeks bear sightings have been reported around the Garden State from Paramus, Glen Rock to North Brunswick.

A Sussex County resident was hospitalized Wednesday after a young bear attacked her, according to a spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The woman was going to get her mail when she was attacked. Read More: NJ Woman Attacked By Bear While She Was Getting Mail

The 34-year-old resident was attacked around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday by a black bear that was 1 to 2 years old, spokesperson Larry Hajna said. The animal weighed an estimated 150 to 200 pounds and was with two other bears. They were scared off when a neighbor honked their car horn.

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