Bear Spotted On Chatham Back Porch: VIDEO

CHATHAM, NJ — A bear was spotted on a Chatham back porch last week, enjoying a midnight snack out of a bird feeder. In the video, shared by Daniel Baesler on Twitter, the bear can be seen padding around the porch before stopping for a snack. Baesler told ABC 7 that he called police, but the bear ran off.

Bears are common in Morris County, particularly the more wooded towns, but Baesler told CBS New York he's never seen one in Chatham.

"I looked outside, and there was this giant bear eating birdseed. I have heard of bear sightings, but I have never seen one, and I certainly have never seen one this close to a house," Baesler said.

Baesler told ABC his days of leaving the bird feeder on his porch are over. Experts recommend people who live in bear territory avoid leaving bird feeders where bears can get them.

Bears tend to be wary of people, and seeing a bear in your yard doesn't necessarily mean there's something to worry about. To limit the presence of bears, limit their access to food in your yard. That includes locking up garbage, avoiding bird feeders, and keeping your grills clean. Read more tips for homeowners at the DEP website.

Read more bear safety tips here.

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