SPARTA, N.J. (WCBS 880) — A trap has been set to capture and euthanize a bear involved in an attack on a small dog in a New Jersey town late Wednesday night.
The 5-year-old Yorkie, Tommy, died after being attacked by a bear in the backyard of home on Layton Lane, according to Sparta Police officials.
Tommy’s owner, identified as only Mr. Pierce, said he discovered the pup “mortally wounded” after he did not return to the home when called.
Investigators with Sparta Police were called to the home and confirmed there were bear tracks and blood leading into the woods behind Pierce’s home. However, there was no bear in the vicinity.
The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife was called in to investigate the area. Officials confirmed Friday that the Yorkie was killed by the bear and said it planned to set a trap to catch the animal.
The attack was similar to a Jan. 3 incident, in which an 81-year-old woman was injured while trying to save her own dog from an attacking bear.
Officials with the state Department of Environmental Protection are looking into whether the two attacks are related but stressed that there is currently “no indication” that they are.
Larry Hajna, a DEP spokesperson, said a trap was set after the first bear attack on Jan. 3, and officials had planned to euthanize that animal.
However, the trap was removed after seven days in accordance with state policy.
In an email to WCBS 880, Hajna said the DEP provided a list of tips to help residents of Sparta Township reduce the risk of dangerous encounters with bears.
Residents are told to never approach or feed bears and to try to remain calm if encountering one in the wild. The DEP advised clapping hands, speaking in an assertive voice or making another type of loud noise in order to scare off bears that may be too close to a property line.
“Avoid direct eye contact, which may be perceived by a bear as a challenge. Never run from a bear. Instead, slowly back away,” the DEP said. “To scare the bear away, make loud noises by yelling, banging pots and pans or using an airhorn. Make yourself look as big as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together with your arms raised above your head.”
Residents can report black bear damage or nuisance behavior to the DEP's 24-hour, toll-free hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).
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