'Monsey The Bear' Rounded Up, Exiled To Orange County

RAMAPO, NY — A black bear who climbed a tree after roaming the streets of Monsey was successfully captured and relocated as a big crowd looked on, state environmental officials said.

Environmental Conservation Officer Jeremy Fadden responded to reports of a black bear roaming through the village of Monsey May 7. Ramapo Police officers reported that the bear, a male, had been roaming the streets since 10 a.m.

The bear eventually climbed a tree and remained there for hours. A big crowd formed.

“Monsey the Bear,” the name given to the animal by the school children at the scene, quickly became a local celebrity, the officers said.

Fadden called DEC wildlife biologist Matt Merchant and wildlife technician Emily Carrollo to help relocate the animal.

ECO Jon Walraven responded to assist in keeping the crowd (which by that time was substantial) clear of the scene and to provide a safe environment for Merchant and his team to work.

The bear was successfully tranquilized, and an ECO relocated young Monsey to a wilderness area in northern Orange Country.