Community Corner
Beware the Bears: Residents Concerned Over Recent Sightings
Bears seen near Rt. 22 in Mountainside and in Berkeley Heights.
This isn't Yogi and Boo-Boo looking for the pic-i-nic basket.
There are real-life bears roaming around the cozy confines of Berkeley Heights and Mountainside, which obviously has residents concerned.
According to a report released by Mountainside police Captain Richard Osieja, a resident reported that she had observed a black bear in her rear yard on Short Drive Thursday afternoon.
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The resident stated that she was outside on her rear deck when the bear had moved toward her direction. She then went into her residence and closed the door before calling the police.
Shortly after this call, Mountainside police received several other calls stating that there were two smaller bears in the rear yard of a residence on Puddingstone Drive.
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Both of these calls came in at around 6:30 pm.
Patrols located and followed the bears, but lost sight of them on several occasions in the area of Summit Road and Charles Street.
Soon after, the police located one bear near Route 22 west by Safe Way Storage.
It appears as if there are two cubs and a mother bear which are in the area and they disappeared in the vicinity of the wooded area by Charles Street and the rear of Baltusol Golf Course.
The New Jersey division of Fish & Game was notified of the sightings and will monitor the situation, however no personnel responded to the scene last evening.
Chief James Debbie Jr. has advised all residents to keep their distance from the black bears and to make sure all garbage containers are sealed.
Meanwhile,in Berkeley Heights, a resident notified Patch that a bear has been seen in the backyard of her Diamond Hill Rd. home on several occasions.
The photo (on this page) was taken through the window of the house.
Residents of both towns are urged to call their respective police departments if there is a bear sighting.
The Mountainside Police Department can be reached at 908-232-8100.
The Berkeley Heights Police Department can be reached at 908-464-1111.
WARNING:
BEAR SIGHTINGS IN AREA NORTH OF ROUTE 22
SUMMIT RD TO CENTRAL AVE
RESIDENTS SHOULD REPORT ANY SIGHTING TO POLICE
SECURE OUTSIDE GARBAGE
STAY INSIDE
UNTIL BEARS LEAVE AREA
