Bear Spotted in Middletown

A black bear was spotted in the River Plaza section of Middletown Township last evening, near Nutswamp Road and the federal road connecting Naval Weapons Station Earle’s Leonardo and Colts Neck facilities, which is not far from Middletown High School South.

Lt. Paul Bailey of the Middletown Police Department confirmed reports of the bear sighting and said that Animal Control and The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife have been notified.  Bailey said that as on noon on Friday, no Middletown Police Officers have seen the bear.

“Don’t approach the bear, feed it or give it a picnic basket,” Bailey said in a warning to residents.  “If you see the bear, call the police. Try it keep it in your line of sight, but do not approach or engage the animal.”