SPARTA TOWNSHIP, NJ (Sussex County) – The Sparta Township Police Department has issued a public advisory following two separate bear incidents around West Mountain Road within the past two weeks, Sparta Township Police Chief Jeffery McCarrick said.
On May 9, a bear attacked a resident’s dogs on Graphic Boulevard. This was followed by a second incident on May 13, where another encounter occurred on Mountain Spring Drive, McCarrick said.
One of the incidents resulted in the death of the resident’s dog and the second resulted in injuries to the resident’s dog, McCarrick said.
The Sparta Township Police Department and officials from New Jersey Fish and Wildlife are currently investigating these events and are taking appropriate measures to ensure public safety, McCarrick said.
“Residents in the vicinity of West Mountain Road are advised to exercise caution when outdoors and to take necessary precautions to avoid potential bear encounters. This includes securing garbage and food sources that may attract wildlife,” McCarrick said.
Anyone witnessing an aggressive bear or encountering aggressive wildlife is urged to contact the Sparta Township Police Department immediately 973-729-6121.
“The Sparta Township Police Department will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary. We appreciate the community’s cooperation and vigilance during this time,” McCarrick said.
