A cable installer says he discovered a bear in the basement of a home in Hopatcong today.

Dave Cornine, a Cablevision Service Technician, told News 12 New Jersey that while he was repairing the cable service he heard a growl, turned around and saw the animal.

Cornine says he flashed his light, threw his tools and ran out of the room.

News 12 New Jersey was on the scene while authorities tracked the bear. Wildlife officials used tranquilizing darts to knock the bear out, which took some time because the bear weighs more than 500 pounds. The bear, estimated to be 3 or 4 years old, wandered the neighborhood until he finally passed out. It took eight people to haul the slumbering bear so he could be released in the wilderness.

Even in area where bear sightings are common, neighbors were surprised to learn that the bruin was making himself right at home on their street.