Black Bear Euthanized After Biting Woman in New Jersey Dollar General

Bear Encounter in Vernon, New Jersey

• 🐻 A 175-pound female black bear was euthanized after biting a woman inside a Dollar General store in Vernon, New Jersey.
• ⚠️ Witnesses reported the bear was acting strangely and threatening people and pets for hours.

Attempts to Contain the Bear

• 📹 Cell phone video captured the bear roaming the store aisles, with one individual luring it outside.
• 🎯 Police initially used rubber bullets to drive the bear into the woods, but it returned.
• 🐕 The bear also attacked a German Shepherd, though the dog was fortunately leashed and distracted.

Public Safety and Bear Behavior

• 🏥 An injured woman was taken to the hospital following the bite.
• 🔬 State Fish and Wildlife officials are testing the bear's remains for rabies.
• ⚠️ The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife advises never to approach bears, to remain calm, back away slowly, and make yourself look large if encountered.