Black bears have been recorded walking around various sections of Middletown, most recently at Green Meadow Boulevard off Dwight Road at around 1:15 PM today. Middletown Animal Control has been in contact with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and reported the sighting through the state's official black bear hotline. The Middletown Township Police Department (MTPD) and Animal Control Department are working closely together to track the animal's movements.
"The bear appears to be exhibiting normal behavior so there is no cause for alarm," said Captain Shannon Martiak, NJ State Conservation Police, Fish and Wildlife. "Please avoid contact and do not leave any garbage cans out longer than necessary."
The Township advises residents to take precautionary measures, such as not leaving food out in the yard, keeping garbage areas clean and covers on, and bringing your pets inside. Please do not try to capture or kill the bear.
Middletown encourages any sightings to be reported to the MTPD and NJDEP. If you see a bear, please keep your distance and call the Police Desk at 732-615-2100. To report the sighting through the state's official black bear hotline, please call 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).
