New Jersey State troopers rescued a baby bear abandoned in a roadside ditch
Troopers received an unusual call about a lone cub spotted in a roadside ditch on Interstate 78.
What you need to know to stay safe as bears emerge from hibernation
Peter Gros, wildlife expert and co-host of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom, joined FOX Weather to discuss bears emerging from hibernation—and why rising encounters are putting communities on alert. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
New Jersey State Police officers rescued an abandoned bear cub along the highway on Wednesday.
Troopers from Troop "B" Perryville Station received an unusual call around 1:37 pm about a lone cub spotted in a roadside ditch on Interstate 78.
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According to the New Jersey State Police Facebook post, the bear was found on the East side of I-78 near milepost 12.2 in Union Township.
Troopers save a baby bear that was spotted along I-78 in New Jersey.
(New Jersey State Police/Facebook / FOX Weather)
When troopers arrived at the scene, they found the small cub by itself and in need of assistance.
Authorities safely secured the animal and transported it back to the station. The baby bear was then turned over to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for proper care.
"Thanks to the swift response of the troopers, the cub is now safe and receiving the attention he needs," the New Jersey State Police said.
New Jersey State police officers transport the bear cub back to the station.
(New Jersey State Police/Facebook / FOX Weather)
On Tuesday, the NJDEP issued a reminder to residents to start to take preventative measures as more bears begin to emerge from hibernation.
In the past, black bears have been seen wandering into neighborhoods foraging for food.
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According to NJDEP, black bears have been sighted in all of New Jersey’s 21 counties. However, most of New Jersey’s black bears live in the northwest portion of the state.
"We’ve had a long winter, and black bears are emerging from their dens and searching for food," said NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Assistant Commissioner Dave Golden. "It’s very important that residents reduce the potential for encounters by removing trash and other potential food sources as the smell can draw them into neighborhoods."