Fatal bear attack in West Milford preserve is first recorded in New Jersey in 150 years
SEPTEMBER 22, 2014, 7:00 AM LAST UPDATED: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2014, 10:15 PM
BY MINJAE PARK AND JIM O’NEILL
STAFF WRITERS
THE RECORD
WEST MILFORD — Around the Apshawa Preserve, residents seal garbage containers, bring their dogs inside and scrub their barbecue grills clean, daily chores to ensure that ever-present bears keep their distance.
But the fatal bear attack on a 22-year-old Rutgers student Sunday — the first recorded in more than 150 years, state officials say — came as a startling reminder of the dangers that can arise from the rare bear-human confrontation.
KEVIN R. WEXLER / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
From left, West Milford Police Chief Tim Storbeck; DEP spokesman Larry Ragonese and Passaic County Sheriff Richard Berdnik during Monday’s press conference.
Five friends had been hiking at the preserve in West Milford on Sunday afternoon when they scattered in fear upon realizing a black bear was following them, a move experts say put each individual at greater risk.
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