VIDEO: Bear Caught Climbing Around One Bergen County Town

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Police in one Bergen County town urged caution after a little bear was caught on video climbing around the west side of their town on Thursday.

"Attention all West Side residents!" wrote the Park Ridge police on social media. "We have received numerous reports of bear sightings in the area. Please remain calm and BEAR in mind that the proper authorities have been notified and are monitoring the situation closely.

"We urge everyone to stay vigilant and BEARware of your surroundings. Do not approach or attempt to feed the bear. We know it's tempting to offer a snack, perhaps some honey, but trust us, it's not a good idea. Let's not make this a GRIZZLY situation! Our goal is to ensure the safety of our community and our furry visitor. This is not the time for any un-bear-able actions, so please cooperate and follow the guidelines provided."

Residents responded that they appreciated the "beary good information." But some wondered if police would help the bear get down.

"I've never seen a dead bear in a tree so pretty sure the bear has it covered," responded one commenter.

Bear Attacks Have Proven Deadly In NJ, NY

Bear sightings in North Jersey typically ramp up starting in April, as they did last year in Livingston, for instance.

While bears often keep their distance, both people and pets in New Jersey and New York have been seriously injured and killed in bear attacks, including in the last few years.

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 Department of Environmental Protection, on their "Be Bear Aware" website, says that black bears are the largest mammal in the Garden State, and have been spotted in all 21 counties. If you see a black bear, don't approach it.

The state website suggests that it's best to avoid leaving food out, if you don't want bears. If you see one, 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.

To be the first to get free news alerts with breaking stories in Bergen County or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch alerts and state your preferences.