Park Ridge police report multiple sightings of black bear in town
Park Ridge got an unexpected visitor this week when multiple residents reported a bear sighting to local authorities.
The Park Ridge Police Department announced on Facebook Thursday that it had received multiple reports of a black bear on the west side of the borough and urged residents to exercise caution in the area. The department then shared a video of the bear perched in a tree later in the afternoon and assured residents — using as many bear puns as possible — that they had nothing to worry about.
"Please remain calm and BEAR in mind that the proper authorities have been notified and are monitoring the situation closely," the post read.
🚔🐻🚨 BEAR ALERT! 🚨🐻🚔Attention all West Side residents! We have received numerous reports of bear sightings in the area. Please remain calm and BEAR in mind that the proper authorities have been notified and are monitoring the situation closely.We urge everyone to stay vigilant and BEARware of your surroundings. Do not approach or attempt to feed the bear. We know it's tempting to offer a snack, perhaps some honey, but trust us, it's not a good idea. Let's not make this a GRIZZLY situation!Our goal is to ensure the safety of our community and our furry visitor. This is not the time for any un-bear-able actions, so please cooperate and follow the guidelines provided.Thank you for your cooperation, and let's hope for a pawsitive resolution to this BEARY unique situation. #bearsighting #bear #blackbear #wildlife #nature
Posted by Park Ridge Police Department on Thursday, April 11, 2024
Police warned members of the community to be aware of their surroundings and not approach or attempt to feed the bear for the safety of neighbors and the "furry visitor."
"We know it's tempting to offer a snack, perhaps some honey, but trust us, it's not a good idea," the post read. "Let's not make this a GRIZZLY situation!"
Bear sightings are generally much less common in Bergen County than in the northwestern part of New Jersey where the animal is more prevalent.
The 2023 bear hunt, fully reinstated for the first time since 2020 to help control the population, saw only three bears killed in Bergen during the two sessions in October and December. Sussex County led the way with 190 bears killed during the season, followed by 114 in Warren, 69 in Morris and 25 in Passaic.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Park Ridge NJ black bear sightings reported by police
