Black Bear Sightings Keep Ridgewood Residents on Edge

Ridgewood Residents on Edge After Multiple Black Bear Sightings Ridgewood, NJ – Residents of Ridgewood, New Jersey are buzzing after multiple sightings of a black bear over the past few days. The bear, captured on multiple home security cameras, has been seen rummaging through garbage cans and exploring residential yards. One resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, stated, "It was quite a surprise to see a bear in my backyard! It was more curious than aggressive, but it certainly made me nervous." The bear's first appearance was early Thursday morning when it was seen breaking into a garbage can secured with bungee cords. Despite a neighbor's attempts to scare it off, the bear successfully retrieved the trash. This was the second sighting on Hillcrest Road, and the animal has been spotted throughout the west side of town. New Jersey State Wildlife officials have responded to the incidents and are encouraging residents to secure their garbage cans to prevent further encounters. They advise that if confronted by a black bear, residents should make noise, avoid eye contact, and move away slowly, but not run. Officials emphasize that attacks on humans are extremely rare. While some residents expressed concern, others, like the anonymous resident quoted above, expressed more curiosity than fear. The overall response highlights the unusual nature of the event and the community's interest in the bear's activities. The incident serves as a reminder of the increasing presence of wildlife in suburban areas and the importance of coexisting peacefully.