Bear Update: No Additional Sightings Reported

A bear sighted Wednesday night around a North Wall neighborhood has not been seen since, but police have increased their patrols in the area, authorities said Thursday.

Two witnesses reported seeing a 4-foot tall bear with black fur near the North Wall Little League fields around 5:15 Wednesday. Five officers conducted a search of the area but found no bear, Sgt. Steven Wolter said.

About two weeks ago another resident also reported seeing a bear in the neighborhood, which is near a wooded area.

Although bear sightings are rare, the township is considered bear habitat by the state Division of Fish & Game, Wolter said.

If a bear is considered a nuisance, it would be tranquilized and relocated by Fish & Game, Wolter said. But so far, no additional sightings have been reported, he said.

Most bears will naturally shy away from people, Wolter said. If you encounter a bear, do not approach it but contact police immediately at (732) 449-4500.