A routine highway call turned into a heartwarming wildlife rescue after officers from the New Jersey State Police saved an abandoned bear cub found along Interstate 78.
Troopers from Troop “B” Perryville Station responded around 1:37 p.m. after receiving reports of a lone cub spotted in a roadside ditch. The sighting occurred on the eastbound side of I-78 near milepost 12.2 in Union Township.
When officers arrived, they found the small cub alone and vulnerable, with no sign of its mother nearby. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, troopers carefully secured the animal and transported it to their station to ensure its immediate safety.
The cub was later handed over to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), where it is now receiving proper care and monitoring from wildlife experts.
Officials praised the quick action of the troopers, noting that their response likely prevented the cub from facing serious harm.
The rescue comes as wildlife authorities warn residents to stay alert. With spring approaching, black bears are emerging from hibernation and actively searching for food. This seasonal behavior increases the chances of human-wildlife encounters, especially in residential areas.
NJDEP officials are urging residents to secure trash, remove outdoor food sources, and remain cautious, as bears have been reported across all 21 counties in the state, with higher populations in the northwest region.
The rescued cub’s story serves as both a reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the importance of timely human intervention.
