Bear sighting leads to cancellation of some outdoor school activities in Essex County
Residents in South Orange reported seeing the bear near Thornden Street and Walton Avenue.
Share:
More Stories
0:23
WATCH: Video shows breaching whale near paddle boarder in Bay Head
yesterday0:31
Police: South Jersey pet groomer charged with animal cruelty following death of 3-year-old dog
3ds ago1:57
Animal experts warn pet owners to monitor their pets during July 4 fireworks displays
24ds ago1:42
Animal experts urge pet owners to keep an eye on their animals during extreme heat
38ds ago2:11
Toms River animal shelter closes, lays off 8 employees
49ds ago2:07
Paws & Pals: 7-year-old Terrier mix now available for adoption with AHS Tinton Falls
49ds ago0:23
WATCH: Video shows breaching whale near paddle boarder in Bay Head
yesterday0:31
Police: South Jersey pet groomer charged with animal cruelty following death of 3-year-old dog
3ds ago1:57
Animal experts warn pet owners to monitor their pets during July 4 fireworks displays
24ds ago1:42
Animal experts urge pet owners to keep an eye on their animals during extreme heat
38ds ago2:11
Toms River animal shelter closes, lays off 8 employees
49ds ago2:07
Paws & Pals: 7-year-old Terrier mix now available for adoption with AHS Tinton Falls
49ds agoOutdoor school activities were canceled for some schools in Essex County on Monday after bear sightings were reported in South Orange.
Residents reported seeing the animal wandering near Thornden Street and Walton Road.
The South Mountain Reservation is about a mile from the area but police weren't sure where it came from.
South Orange Police Capt. Adrian Acevedo said, "I've been here for 26 years. I can't recall a bear sighting in town."
Officers shared video of what looks like a medium-sized black bear walking around the neighborhood around 7 a.m. They contacted New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, then tracked the bear until it went back into the woods.
The South Orange-Maplewood School District canceled all outdoor activities once they got the alert.
Police say if you encounter a bear, do not run, just back away slowly while facing the bear and group together if you're with others.
This is the third bear sighting in a residential area of northern New Jersey in the last few days. A bear was spotted in Bergen County on Saturday and in Passaic County on Friday.
