Bear scare in Paterson leads wildlife officials on chase

PATERSON, N.J. (WABC) -- Wildlife officials in Paterson, New Jersey are trying to tranquilize and catch a roaming bear before it comes in contact with humans.

Monday night, the bear left its temporary home on an island and ran into a nearby cemetery and wooded area.

The large black bear was first spotted at Pennington Park around 4:30 Monday afternoon.

It ran from a Paterson Animal Control officer and swam to an island in the Passaic River near the Grover Avenue Bridge.

People of course came out to see the bear, surprised of course to see one in Paterson of all places.

"It's definitely a little bit concerning with the kids. There's a playground, I'm glad these guys are here trying to figure out what to do with the bear," said Franco Aurieme, a resident.

Police were stationed on both sides of the river Monday night to make sure the bear didn't go into the neighborhoods.

As of close to Midnight on Monday, they were surrounding the cemetery, in yet another standoff with the animal.