Black Bear Spotted In 2 Bergen County Towns, Officials Warn

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — Officials in two Bergen County towns warned residents that a black bear had been spotted Saturday morning.

"We are receiving reports of a black bear in the area of Ackerman Avenue and South Highwood Avenue," Glen Rock police wrote just before 9 a.m. "As with any wild animal, keep a safe distance and do not leave your pets outdoors unattended."

Paramus's Office of Emergency Management wrote around 11 a.m., "A non-aggressive black bear has been spotted in the area of Morningside Road and Mason Place. If seen, please contact the police department and do NOT approach."

While experts say that bears usually avoid humans, people (and pets) in New Jersey and New York have been hurt or killed by them. Thus, officials often warn residents to keep an eye on pets and children.

Area bear attacks have included these incidents:

• 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 who was hiking at a nature preserve in New Jersey.
• In 2002, a bear took a baby girl out of her stroller in the Catskills and killed her.

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

Advice From Officials

In June, several Bergen County schools were locked down because of a bear wandering in the area. READ MORE: Black Bear Sends Bergen County Schools Into Lockdown

Officials in Bergen County have given 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.

In emergencies, dial 9-1-1.