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the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, if you’ve been wondering why your trash cans are suddenly under siege and your neighborhood Facebook group is buzzing more than usual, it might be because a black bear has been living its best suburban life right here in Ridgewood.
Yes, a real bear. Not a metaphor. Not a TikTok prank. An actual bear.
Hillcrest Road: Now Accepting Applications for “Bear Ground Zero”
The first sighting occurred on Hillcrest Road, where a security camera caught the uninvited guest breaking into a trash bin secured with bungee cords. Sadly, for humans and bungees everywhere, the bear got the goods anyway. One brave neighbor attempted to scare the furry intruder off, but the bear simply gave a side-eye and continued its midnight snacking tour.
This was the second sighting in two days on the same street, prompting some to rename the area “Hillcrest Bearbnb.” The animal has also been seen meandering through multiple backyards on Ridgewood’s west side, including Jasmin Kakish’s and Tatiana Constantinople’s, where it acted like it owned the block.
“It was just basically walking toward the neighbor’s yard,” said Kakish, as if describing a friendly dog.
“Those of us with little kids and little dogs just keep an extra eye out,” added Constantinople, holding her poodle like it was a prized appetizer.
Bear Watch: Powered by Facebook & Group Texts
With bear sightings creeping dangerously close to Ridgewood’s downtown (aka where the coffee shops and boutiques live), residents have been coordinating like a team of wildlife detectives. Group texts, Ring camera footage, and local Facebook pages are lighting up with messages like:
“Bear spotted on Linwood! Avoid with snacks!”
“Anyone else see Smokey head toward the ice cream place??”
And while Ridgewood police confirm multiple reports of the bear wandering town, residents say their mood is a mix of mild panic and major curiosity.
“At this point, we’re more curious than worried,” said resident Katie O’Hara, summarizing the collective vibe as: “I’m scared, but I also kinda want a selfie.”
Bear With Us: NJ’s Not-So-Fuzzy Reality
According to New Jersey wildlife officials, bear sightings are down this year statewide. But let’s be clear: they’re still around. In fact, black bears now reside in all 21 counties of New Jersey — yes, including the ones with Whole Foods and Tesla chargers.
If you encounter a black bear, officials say:
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Make noise (start yelling or play your toddler’s Peppa Pig soundtrack at full volume)
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Avoid eye contact (the bear does not want to emotionally connect)
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Don’t run (this is not a romantic comedy)
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Back away slowly (like you just realized the “free sample” table has expired cheese)
Unfortunately, not all bear-human run-ins end with a cute Instagram story. Just this week, police in West Harrison, NY had to shoot a black bear that wandered into a densely populated neighborhood. Residents there, like many in Ridgewood, were shocked to find a bear pacing their picket-fenced yards.
“You could tell it was scared,” said West Harrison’s Douglas Puff, summing up the sentiment felt by many: “Sad bear. Sad day.”
Final Thoughts: Bears, Bins, and Bergen County Drama
While Ridgewood residents try to strike a balance between safety and fascination, one thing’s for sure: the suburbs have gone a little wild. Literally. The black bear may be gone (for now), but the legend of “Garbage Bandit Ridgewood Edition” will live on in neighborhood lore — and probably your group chat.
Until then, tie down your trash, secure your snacks, and maybe hold off on that picnic in the backyard. Unless you’re cool with an extra, very hairy guest
Join the new Saddle River Valley, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1931704860512551/
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Nicely written story, fun to read, thank you!
Yeah, really great PJ, thx
A couple of years ago when bear sightings began in and near town I bought a cheap plastic whistle on a neck-ropey thing at a sporting goods store. It is not suitable for the Met Gala, but it works for me. It lives on a small doorknob near the outside door. Before taking out the garbage after dark, I flip the whistle-necklace over my head.
So far there have been no marauders, but it makes me feel a little safer. Not that my neighbors would necessarily hear it or care, but since making noise is recommended, maybe it would scare a bear away. Worth a try, anyway. Here’s hoping I never find out. Three dollars well spent.