Girl's Close Encounter with Black Bear in Sparta, New Jersey

Frightening Bear Encounter

• 🐻 Charlie Stankovic, a six-year-old girl from Sparta, New Jersey, had a startling face-to-face encounter with a black bear.
• 🏠 The incident occurred just outside her home and was captured by the family's Ring security camera.
• 😨 Charlie initially ran back inside and began crying after seeing the bear, which was in a neighbor's yard.

Bear Behavior and Safety

• ⚠️ While bear sightings are not uncommon in the area, this close an encounter is unusual.
• 🌲 The bear, described as perhaps equally startled, ran into the yard while Charlie retreated inside.
• 🚶‍♂️ Charlie's father noted that while they've discussed bear safety, like backing up slowly, Charlie's reaction was more of a quick retreat.

Black Bears in New Jersey

• 🗺️ According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, black bear sightings have been confirmed in all 21 counties.
• 🌲 Black bears are the largest land mammals in the state.
• ⚠️ State officials advise that black bears are generally wary of people and should not be approached.
• 🌲 Charlie's father mentioned they have seen this particular bear growing up over the last few seasons, indicating it was likely just going about its business.