Man Made Up Bear Attack Story, Will Be Charged: Police

A 57-year-old Pohatcong Township man will be charged for lying to police about a bear attack he said happened last week.

According to police, Jeffrey Wilson told authorities he was attacked by a 500-pound bear while feeding his cat outside his County Route 627 home on Aug. 3. However, investigators found his injuries were not consistent with a bear attack.

Wilson has been charged with one count of providing false information to law enforcement.

When officers arrived that day, Wilson was bleeding from the left arm. He told authorities the bear fled into the corn field at the rear of the property after the attack.

"Police determined that the injuries were pre existing from a non related accident that happened the night before. These conclusions were determined by law enforcement and medical personnel who specialize in animal encounters along with blood stain analysis," according to information from Pohatcong Township police.

The report was investigated by Pohatcong Township Police and New Jersey Division of Fish and Game.

This charge is a disorderly person’s offense, which will be heard at the Municipal Court level in Pohatcong Township. His first court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 8.