Community Corner

More Black Bears Seen Prowling in Morris Plains

Also, Morristown residents saw one in their backyard recently

There have been sightings of black bears roaming through Morris Township, said township police. and a Morristown resident in Morristown near The Seeing Eye.

Last Monday, another resident "spotted bear at my backyard in Morris Plains." In the photo he submitted to Patch, the bear is near a wooded area as well as the neighborhood's fenced-in backyards.

More recently other Morristown residents, who live on Fairmount Avenue, encountered a bear.

Find out what's happening in Morris Township-Morris Plainswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The bear came around noon on Friday "… played with balls in the yard then left, clearly annoyed by dog's barking in the house. The bear was not aggressive, just exploring,” said the residents. 

Morris Township Police say that this is normal because the bears are migrating toward the Great Swamp for food this time of the year. Residents should secure their garages to avoid any unwanted confrontation with the bears, police said. 

Find out what's happening in Morris Township-Morris Plainswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Police added that bears are generally afraid of humans and travel to this area quite frequently. Because of this, you do not need to call the police when you see a bear, unless it becomes aggressive toward humans or domestic animals or causes property damage.

On the Morristown town website, the town posted a link to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife to give residents more information about bears. 

Related Patch Posts:

  • More Black Bears Spotted; Tips To Keep Them Away
  • Black Bear Sightings in Morris Township

Have you seen a bear in your neighborhood? Tell us in the comments section or send a photo to Kim@Patch.com.


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