Black bears caught on camera in Bergen and Warren counties
The images show the bear calmly moving through the residential area.
Residents across the Garden State are being urged to stay "bear aware" after several close encounters were captured on camera over the last 24 hours.
In Warren County, dramatic new Ring camera footage shows a black bear getting dangerously close to a home in Phillipsburg. The video, captured around 3 a.m. Thursday, shows the bear walking right through a driveway and passing within inches of several parked cars. Fortunately, the homeowners were asleep inside at the time, and no one was confronted by the animal.
Meanwhile in Bergen County, a viewer captured striking images of a black bear wandering through a residential property in Saddle River around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. The bear was seen calmly moving through the area during the early evening hours as residents were returning home from work.
With bear activity ramping up across North Jersey, New Jersey Fish & Wildlife is reminding residents that while these animals are often just passing through, they are powerful wild animals that should be treated with caution.
Don't Run or Approach: Running can trigger a chase instinct.
Stay Calm and Be Loud: Speak in an assertive voice, clap your hands, and make yourself look as large as possible.
Secure Your Trash: Bears are often drawn to neighborhoods by the smell of food. Keep garbage cans covered and bring in bird feeders at night.
Back Away Slowly: Always leave the bear an escape route.
Residents are encouraged to report any aggressive bear behavior to the New Jersey Fish & Wildlife hotline at 1-877-WARN-DEP.
