Paramus bear gets caught in Ridgewood after fleeing from police

The male bear that managed to dodge police for over a day was caught in Ridgewood, the village's mayor said Tuesday.

Mayor Susan Knudsen in a Facebook post confirmed that the elusive bear was caught. The bear, which is a year and a half old, was caught just before 3:30 p.m.

"He's been running the show since yesterday; that's for sure," said animal control officer Carol Tyler.

Technicians from Fish and Wildlife tranquilized the bear while it was in a tree, about 8 to 10 feet above the ground. "He's old enough for mom to say, 'Get lost.' Not quite old enough or strong enough to take his own territory yet," Tyler said.

Larry Hajna, a spokesman for the state Department of Environmental Protection, said the bear would be taken to a wildlife management area in Morris County. The bear was unharmed.

"I think he thought humans have been feeding him ... and he kept being attracted towards humans. So that was our concern," Tyler said. "I think after this experience, he's going to avoid humans at all cost."

Story continues after gallery

The bear was seen earlier Tuesday near Saddle River County Park in Ridgewood, said Paramus Police Chief Kenneth Ehrenberg.

Paramus police said at 10:16 a.m. on Twitter to "avoid the area" of Paramus Road and Ridgewood Avenue. They later said a bear was spotted to the west near Ridgewood.

Video footage showed the bear walking across the Somerville Elementary School field and climbing backyard fences, at one point startling a dog. He also bounded through the woods in Saddle River County Park.

Ridgewood High School students were not allowed outside for classes or lunch Tuesday because of the bear, said Ridgewood Police Chief Jacqueline Luthcke.

On Monday, the 200-pound black bear was perched in a tree near Sirianni Park, Paramus police said. The bear leaped from the tree and left around 9 p.m.

Staff Writers Amy Newman and Kaitlyn Kanzler contributed to this article.

More Bergen news

TRAGEDY: Franklin Lakes girl killed by train identified as Ramapo High School student

ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING: Police, fire, EMS (and even teachers) train together to care for mass casualties

LOCAL POLITICS: Ridgewood candidates exchange tempered barbs as strife continues at debate