Black Bear Spotted In Ridgewood On Thursday, Police Warn

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — More than a month after a bevy of black bear sightings were reported around Bergen County, police in one town warned of a sighting in a residential area on Thursday.

"The Ridgewood Police Department would like to advise residents that a black bear was reported in the area of Sheridan Avenue and North Monroe Street this morning," police in Ridgewood said. "Residents are encouraged to use caution and avoid approaching or attempting to feed the bear."

The animal was seen around 7:23 a.m., police said.

The residential area is around two miles west of Route 17.

While experts say that bears usually avoid humans, there have been instances in New Jersey and New York of adults, children and pets being hurt or killed by bears, including:

• In May 2024, a bear killed a Chihuahua and injured another dog in Sparta.
• 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.

READ MORE: Video Shows Bear Family Running Past Bergen County Driveways

Advice From Ridgewood Police

Police gave this advice:

• Keep a safe distance.
• Do not approach, follow, or corner the animal.
• Secure garbage, pet food, bird feeders, and other potential food sources.
• Keep pets on a leash and supervise them while outdoors.
• If the bear approaches, remain calm, make yourself appear large, and slowly back away.

The state's "Bear Bear Aware" site suggests that it's best to avoid leaving food out. If you see a bear, 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.

According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, black bears are now found in all the state’s 21 counties.

Last year, Mahwah High School students decided to raise awareness about how to react when a bear appears, trying to educate children and reduce the risks. The students brought their book, "The Adventures of Bergen the Bear," to local schools.

Police said, "Black bears are generally not aggressive and will typically move on when left undisturbed. If you observe the bear or have concerns about its behavior, please contact the Ridgewood Police Department."

In emergencies, they said, dial 911.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary," police said. "Stay alert and exercise caution while outdoors."