Woman vs. Bear Reality Check: NJ Hiker Escapes Close Encounter in Kittatinny Valley State Park
photo of Kittatinny Valley State Park
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Andover Township NJ, A viral TikTok trend asked women whether they would rather be stuck in the woods with a man or a bear—a question millions answered with a resounding preference for the bear. But for one New Jersey hiker in Sussex County, a real-life encounter with a black bear proved that nature can get a little too close for comfort.
On Wednesday morning, July 22, a hiker on a trail in Kittatinny Valley State Park had a close call with a black bear that forced her off the main path and into dense brush.
Paving Crew Hears Calls for Help in Andover Township
The incident unfolded while road crews were actively paving along Goodale Road in Andover Township.
Workers heard a person shouting for help from within the adjacent state park grounds and alerted local authorities. According to Andover Township Police Chief Eric Danielson, the hiker encountered the bear on a marked trail and retreated into the surrounding woods to get out of the animal’s path.
Minor Scrapes, No Physical Contact
While stepping off-trail caused the hiker to sustain minor scrapes from the heavy brush, police confirmed that the situation was resolved without a physical attack.
“There was no physical contact between the hiker and the bear,” Chief Danielson confirmed.
Emergency personnel and local officers responded to assist the hiker, who required no major medical intervention.
Black Bear Safety Tips for New Jersey Hikers
New Jersey is home to an active black bear population, particularly in northwestern counties like Sussex, Warren, and Passaic. If you encounter a black bear on the trail, wildlife officials recommend the following precautions:
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Do Not Run: Running can trigger a bear’s chase instinct. Stand your ground or back away slowly.
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Make Yourself Look Big: Raise your arms above your head and speak in a firm, loud voice.
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Avoid Direct Eye Contact: Direct eye contact can be perceived by the bear as a threat or challenge.
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Make Noise: Sing, clap, or talk loudly while walking in dense brush so you don’t startle a bear.
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Carry Bear Spray: Keep EPA-approved bear spray easily accessible on your belt or pack, not buried deep in a bag.
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