In a disturbing incident that left residents shocked, a black bear was seen attacking and killing a deer in the backyard of a home in Maywood, New Jersey.
According to the police, the encounter happened in the early morning hours on Saturday, June 8, and was captured on a Ring camera.
The Maywood Police Department confirmed that they were alerted after a resident on Oak Avenue reported the unusual activity. When officers arrived at the location, they found that the deer had already been killed by the bear.
The video footage, which has been circulating online and shared among neighbors, shows the bear standing over the deer before dragging it into nearby woods. The entire episode has raised safety concerns in the area, especially since Maywood is a quiet suburban community not typically known for bear sightings.
Police said the bear likely entered the neighborhood from a nearby wooded area in search of food. Officials believe this bear has been moving across parts of Bergen County in recent weeks, as similar sightings have been reported in surrounding towns like Rochelle Park and Paramus.
While black bears are native to New Jersey and often spotted in more rural or mountainous regions, it’s rare to see such aggressive hunting behavior in suburban neighborhoods. The incident has left many residents uneasy, particularly families with children and pets.
Authorities are asking residents to be extra cautious and avoid leaving pet food, trash, or any kind of food outdoors. These can attract bears, especially during warmer months when they roam more freely in search of food.
The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife has also issued a reminder that black bears, though generally not aggressive toward humans, can become dangerous if they feel threatened or are surprised. Residents who spot a bear are urged not to approach it and to contact local authorities immediately.
Several neighbors shared their reaction to the shocking sight. One resident, who wished to remain unnamed, said they heard strange noises early in the morning but never imagined it was a bear attack. Another neighbor said their kids were playing in that same yard the day before, and now feel scared to go outside.
Local police are working with animal control and wildlife officials to monitor the situation. As of now, there are no reports of injuries to humans, and the bear has not returned to the area since the incident. However, patrols have been increased, and residents have been advised to stay alert.
Officials are also reminding people to keep their garbage secured and not to attempt to scare or feed bears. If anyone comes into contact with a bear, they should back away slowly, avoid eye contact, and never run. Making loud noises and waving your arms can help scare the bear away, but only from a safe distance.
The video footage from the Ring camera has been submitted to state wildlife officials for review. It may be used to identify the bear and determine if it has shown similar behavior in other locations.
Incidents like these serve as a reminder that even in suburban areas, wildlife can sometimes behave unpredictably. While sightings may become more common during warmer months, confrontations between large predators and prey in residential neighborhoods are still considered rare.
For now, the Maywood community remains on alert, and officials continue to urge residents to report any future bear sightings immediately to ensure everyone’s safety.