Bear enters New Jersey Dollar General, bites woman, and is subsequently euthanized.

A female black bear was euthanized in Vernon Township, New Jersey, following an incident in which it bit a 90-year-old woman after entering a Dollar General store. The incident, which unfolded on Tuesday, began when the bear was spotted displaying erratic behavior along Route 94. Responding to reports, local police attempted to control the situation by firing rubber bullets at the bear, which then retreated into the nearby woods.

Despite initial attempts to remove the bear from the area, it emerged about three hours later, leading to multiple calls to law enforcement about its presence near the Dollar General. At approximately 3:55 p.m., the bear re-entered the store, prompting a series of frantic 911 calls from both store employees and a nearby business owner reporting aggressive behavior. The bear had reportedly attacked a dog and chased two employees before making contact with the elderly woman, resulting in a minor injury that required hospital treatment.

While customers evacuated the store, realtor Sean Clarkin, who happened to be inside at the time, managed to usher the bear outside using a shopping cart as a barrier. His efforts were captured on video, which later circulated on social media, showcasing a tense yet unique encounter between a human and a wild animal.

Once outside, the bear was tracked by police, who decided to euthanize it shortly thereafter. This decision was made in accordance with guidelines set by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, which classifies such bears as “category 1” threats to public safety. Authorities stated that this classification is reserved for bears that pose significant risks to people and property.

The bear weighed approximately 175 pounds and had been previously reported for its disruptive behavior. The euthanization has sparked a conversation about wildlife management and public safety, raising concerns over human-wildlife interactions as urban developments encroach upon natural habitats. As local communities continue to grapple with such issues, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in managing both wildlife and public safety in increasingly shared environments.

The injured woman has since been treated for her injuries, while the dog involved in the altercation was taken to a veterinarian for evaluation.