MILLBURN, N.J. (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) -- An "aggressive" bear was fatally shot Monday after the animal cornered a mother and child and then charged at officers inside a New Jersey nature reservation, officials said.
The bear trapped the mom and daughter, as well as "other patrons," around 11:20 a.m. at Locust Grove, on the southern tip of South Mountain Reservation, according to the Essex County Sheriff's Office.
Essex sheriff officers managed to escort the parkgoers to safety, but the bear wouldn't relent and charged at the officers as they tried to get the creature to return to the wooded area, prompting them to open fire.
According to state wildlife officials, the bear was a 120-pound male, likely young. This was not typical behavior for a black bear, suggesting something may have been wrong with the animal.
In a message to residents, the Township of Millburn said, "the animal in question became aggressive and had to unfortunately be put down for safety reasons."
Wildlife officials advise people not to run when confronted by a bear. Instead, they should back away slowly, make noise, throw rocks and raise their arms to appear larger. It's also a good idea to carry bear spray.
The incident is a reminder that just a stone's throw from Newark, bears continue to live in the green spaces between the densely populated suburbs.
Louis Jackson walks and exercises at the reservation daily. While it's a verdant park with "perfect scenery," she said she's mindful of the complex boundary between society and nature.
"We're sharing it with them," she said. "And they are probably fearful more so of us than we are of them. But when we kind of invade their space, they get threatened."
"I'm thankful that everybody ended up being okay," she said. "It's unfortunate for the bear."