Bear Chased Away From Mendham High School

MENDHAM, NJ — A bear was chased away from the high school just before students were set to be dismissed, Mendham Borough Police said.

Several residents reported seeing the bear near Mendham High School on June 7. Police said they don't usually respond to bear calls, but because students were about to go home after exams, officers chased the bear away.

Traffic was delayed for a few moments as the bear walked across Rt. 24 and made its way to a wooded area near the Tempe Wick preserve.

You can watch a video on the Mendham Borough Police Department's Facebook page here.

Bears are common in Northern New Jersey, and rarely pose a risk to humans. The DEP has these tips for being safe around bears:

• Remain calm. Do not run!
• Make the bear aware of your presence by making noise. Leave an escape route for the bear. If the bear does not leave, slowly back away.
• If the bear approaches, stand your ground and be assertive. Make yourself look big by waving your arms. Stay together as a group. Toss rocks or sticks.
• If a black bear attacks, fight back! Do not play dead!
• Never feed a bear. It is Dangerous and Illegal. Fed bears can become habituated and may need to be killed to protect public safety.
• When hiking and camping, make sure your campsite is secure and clean. Read more camping and hiking tips here.

• Read More: Black Bears Are Back: Here's What You Need To Know

Image: Mendham Borough Police Department