Bear cub found alone in roadside ditch prompts quick response from New Jersey troopers
Union Township, NJ – A small bear cub found alone along Interstate 78 is now in safe hands after New Jersey State Police troopers responded to an unusual call Wednesday afternoon. The cub was discovered in a roadside ditch along I-78 East, prompting authorities to step in and secure the animal.
Troopers from Troop “B” Perryville Station were dispatched to milepost 12.2 at approximately 1:37 p.m. after reports of the lone cub. Upon arrival, they located the animal without any sign of its mother and determined it required assistance.
The cub was safely secured at the scene and transported back to the station before being transferred to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for continued care.
Troopers respond to unusual wildlife call
In a statement, New Jersey State Police said, “On April 1, at approximately 1:37 p.m., troopers from Troop ‘B’ Perryville Station responded to an unusual call on I-78 East at milepost 12.2 in Union Township: a lone bear cub spotted in a roadside ditch.” Officials added, “Upon arrival, troopers found the small cub alone and in need of assistance.”
Authorities confirmed the cub was handled without incident and quickly removed from harm’s way along the busy highway corridor.
Key Points
- Bear cub found alone in ditch along I-78 East in Union Township
- Troopers safely secured and transported the cub from the scene
- Animal released to NJ Department of Environmental Protection for care
Police noted the cub was later transferred to wildlife officials. “He was safely secured, transported back to the barracks, and later released to the Department of Environmental Protection for proper care,” the agency said. “Thanks to the swift response of the troopers, the cub is now safe and receiving the attention he needs.”
Wildlife officials take over care
The Department of Environmental Protection is now responsible for evaluating and caring for the cub, including determining next steps for rehabilitation or possible release back into the wild. Officials have not said whether the cub will be reunited with its mother.
Encounters with wildlife along major highways are not uncommon in New Jersey, particularly during spring months when animals are more active.
