Crime & Safety

Black Bear Sightings in Morris Township

Residents don't need to notify police unless the bear becomes aggressive or damages property.

There have been sightings of a black bear roaming through Morris Township over the past two days, said township police. Friday morning, two were seen crossing Columbia Road.

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.

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.

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

For more information go to the Morris Township website at www.MorrisTwp.com or the Department of Environmental Protection at http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/bearinfo.htm.

The attached pictures are of one of two bears that were crossing Columbia Road Friday morning.

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


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.