Bear Removed Safely After Unusual Union County Sighting

ELIZABETH, NJ — A black bear that drew attention in Elizabeth this week has been safely relocated after spending time in a tree as wildlife officials monitored the situation.

The bear, described by state officials as a 160-pound male yearling, was relocated to suitable habitat in northwestern New Jersey, according to Larry Hajna, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

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“The bear came down from the tree without incident,” Hajna said Tuesday.

City officials had earlier reassured residents there was “no immediate danger” to the community as New Jersey Fish & Wildlife crews responded to the scene. Photos and videos of the bear circulated widely online after the animal was spotted over the weekend and again Monday. See the video posted by the city of Elizabeth's Facebook page here.

Hajna said he understood the bear came down on its own. While some media reports suggested food may have been used to encourage the animal to descend, he said that information had not yet been confirmed by the agency.

Bear sightings are relatively uncommon in Union County, though state officials say black bears have now been reported in all 21 New Jersey counties. Most of the state’s black bear population remains concentrated in the northwestern part of New Jersey, including Sussex, Warren, Morris and Passaic counties.

The DEP recently reminded residents that bears become more active during the spring as they leave winter dens and search for food sources.

“We’ve had a long winter, and black bears are emerging from their dens and searching for food,” NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden said in a March press release. “They have a remarkable sense of smell and can detect scents more than two miles away from a food source.”

State officials encourage residents to secure trash, remove outdoor food sources and avoid feeding bears. If residents encounter a bear, the DEP advises people to remain calm, slowly back away and avoid running.

Officials also recommend making loud noises, giving the animal space and moving into a secure building or vehicle if necessary. Black bear attacks remain extremely rare, according to the DEP.