Bear Cub Spotted, Tracked in Hillsdale

Beginning o­n the evening of May 5, 2010, Police Headquarters received several reports from concerned residents that a bear cub had been spotted near Langerfeld Drive.  Police Sergeant Dan McLaughlin was dispatched and arrived moments later, but the bear fled the neighborhood, seeking refuge in nearby woods.  It was determined that the bear cub was not posing a threat to any persons or property, and further concluded that the cub was behaving normally.  In the interests of general public safety and as a precaution, the Hillsdale Police Department broadcasted a “Swift Reach” Reverse 9-1-1 notification, which is a town-wide critical message program, alerting residents of the situation via telephone. 

On the following day, May 6, 2010, Police Headquarters logged reports of bear sightings at approximately 5:42 a.m., and also at approximately 3:28 p.m.  o­nce again, the “Swift Reach” Reverse 9-1-1 system was utilized to alert residents.  In addition, personal notifications were made to nearby schools.  o­n the latter occasion, the bear’s path was discerned by Police Officer Cameron Arki, acting o­n information from a resident of Edgewood Court, who reported that her outdoor bird feeder was damaged by the bear while it was seeking food.  Officer Arki and River Vale police officers monitored the bear as it headed toward the wooded area between the Hillsdale and River Vale borders. It was confirmed that the animal was a healthy juvenile-male black bear cub.  The bear soon disappeared into the woods. 

It is important to note that this bear, and other similar bears, will periodically travel through the area since larger, stronger bears often drive cubs away from typical bear habitats.  Also, o­nce a juvenile bear cub reaches 2 years of age, they naturally separate from their pack and travel alone. In such cases, the bear is not to be intercepted, controlled, or otherwise relocated by law enforcement or animal control authorities.  o­nly in those rare instances where mature, adult bears have wandered into very densely populated areas—like town centers, or they are interrupting traffic flow, schools, parks, or playgrounds—will authorities attempt to trap and relocate a bear.   

Chief Stalter would like to commend the officers involved for a professional and methodical response to this unique incident.  He would like to remind residents that black bear cubs are indigenous and, as such, should be respected as wild animals.  Sound judgment and proper precautions should be employed by adults and children alike when outdoors.  Bears should never be approached, fed, or antagonized.  Take proper precautions to ensure that small outdoor pets are protected; also, outdoor food sources and household refuse should always be properly secured.  Lastly, Chief Stalter would like to thank and recognize the conscientious men and women of the River Vale Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Michael J. McCann, who responded to this incident.        

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