Full Breakdown
Euthanization of Bear After Attack in New Jersey Dollar General
9/18/2025, 1:45:02 PM
Incident Overview
On September 16, 2025, a black bear was euthanized by police in Vernon Township, New Jersey, after it entered a Dollar General store and bit a 90-year-old woman. The incident occurred around 3:55 p.m. local time, following earlier reports of the bear behaving erratically on Route 94, where it had already attacked a dog and chased two employees from a nearby restaurant.
Sequence of Events
The bear, a 175-pound female, was first spotted near the Dollar General around 1:39 p.m. Police attempted to deter the animal using rubber bullets, causing it to flee into the woods. However, it returned approximately two hours later, entering the store and injuring the woman before being coaxed outside by a customer, Sean Clarkin. Video footage captured by Clarkin shows him guiding the bear through the aisles and out of the store.
After the bear left the Dollar General, police followed it to a neighboring property, where it was euthanized under New Jersey Fish and Wildlife's criteria for "category 1 bears," which are considered a threat to public safety.
Official Statements & Responses
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) confirmed the bear's euthanization, stating that it was necessary to protect public safety. Local residents expressed concern over the bear's behavior, with some describing it as "zombie-like" and indicating that it appeared sick. Christine Flohr, an employee at a nearby dispensary, noted the need for better management of trash to prevent attracting bears into populated areas.
Criticism & Opposition
Community members criticized the circumstances leading to the bear's presence in the area, highlighting that open dumpsters and accessible food sources likely drew the animal into town. Flohr emphasized the importance of securing trash to mitigate such incidents in the future. Vernon Mayor Anthony Rossi stated that the situation is under investigation, but he refrained from commenting on the broader issues of bear management until the inquiry is complete.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While most reports agree on the sequence of events, there are discrepancies regarding the severity of the woman's injuries. Some sources describe her condition as a "minor injury," while others refer to it as a "leg injury" without specifying further. Additionally, the exact timeline of the bear's sightings and interactions with the public varies slightly among reports.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When you run a business, you gotta run a lot of different hats,” — Sean Clarkin, Local Realtor
- “The takeaway is cover your garbage. Don’t feed the bears. The population is overburdening, and it needs to be controlled,” — Christine Flohr, Employee at Mountain Dispensary
Conclusion
The euthanization of the bear has sparked discussions about wildlife management and public safety in Vernon Township. As authorities continue to investigate the incident, local residents are urged to take precautions to prevent attracting bears into urban areas. The bear's remains are currently undergoing rabies testing, with results expected in three to five days.
