Bear Spotted Near School In Westfield Late Sunday

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Westfield police sent out an alert Sunday night about a bear in residential neighborhoods.

Their alert, sent out at 11:41 p.m., read:

Advisory: BLACK BEAR SPOTTED IN THE AREA OF SAINT MARKS AVENUE NEAR WASHINGTON SCHOOL [in Westfield].
BEAR SIGHTING IN THE AREA OF SAINT MARKS AVENUE NEAR WASHINGTON SCHOOL. USE CAUTION WHEN OUTDOORS. BRING IN ALL PETS AND DO NOT APPROACH THE BEAR. PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION AT MORNING DROP OFF DUE TO BEAR IN THE AREA.

Meanwhile, approximately two hours earlier, the Cranford police had sent an alert. Their alert, sent out at 9:50 p.m., read:

<blockquote>

Alert: Multiple sightings of a black bear in residential yards in the area of Pawnee and Shawnee Roads [in Cranford].

Police units are on scene investigating the report of a black bear in residential yards in the area of Pawnee and Shawnee roads. Residents are advised to not approach the animal and be mindful of pets. Police units will monitor the area and notify NJ Fish and Wildlife as needed.

Instructions:

• Do not approach the animal and be mindful of pets
• Police units will monitor the area and notify NJ Fish and Wildlife as needed.

</blockquote>

Those two streets are near Nomahegan Park.

Bears have been spotted in other residential neighborhoods in North Jersey recently, and this past spring, bears were spotted in Cranford, Westfield, and Garwood.

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.
They rarely attack, but can be dangerous. If you see a black bear, don't approach it.

The site 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.

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