Bear Spotted 10 Times in Parsippany Since July

Parsippany police have been tracking a black bear that has popped up around town more than 10 times in the past month, according to police reports.

The bear has been sighted in Denville, Boonton and Parsippany 10 times since mid-July.

In several instances, police found the bear rummaging through garbage cans or dumpsters and were able to scare it away into the woods, according to police reports.

It is believed to be the same bear in all 10 sightings, said Parsippany Community Relations Officer Earl Kinsey.

"Bear sightings in Parsippany are quite common," said Kinsey. "Especially in the spring when they are looking for food and in the fall when they are bulking up."

Parsippany resident William Schooley saw the bear behind the baseball card show held at the Parsippany Police Athletic League (PAL) on Baldwin Road on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

He described the bear as being about 5 feet tall and mid-sized.

"He seemed more interested in eating the garbage than the crowd standing outside at the card show," he said. “The bear was on the side of the building going through the dumpsters. He sat there eating the garbage while about 20 people stood about 30 feet away from him and kept eating.”

Police reports indicate the bear has appeared in Denville on July 27, Boonton on July 29 and July 31 before heading into Parsippany.

The bear has also been seen at:

• Stephen Terrace on Aug. 4;
• Vail Cemetary, located at 1774 Route 46 on Aug. 5;
• Smith Field on Aug. 6;
• Grange Road on Aug. 6;
• PAL, 33 Baldwin Road on Aug. 6;
• Schindler Court and Reynolds Ave. on Aug. 7;
• Forest Drive on Aug. 11.

Parsippany police are reminding residents to store all garbage in an airtight container in a secure area until time for pick-up. Click here for more information on bears provided by the Parsippany Police Department.