Large Bear Caught On Video In Chester Backyard

CHESTER, NJ — A Chester homeowner noticed something unusual on his trail camera footage the other week: a large bear.

"I have had the camera there for a few years, and this is the first bear we've ever recorded," Tom Moloughney told Patch. "We get lots of deer, fox, raccoon, wild turkeys, and the occasional coyote, but this is the first bear." (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Moloughney said he lives "a couple miles" away from where another large bear was spotted on Bockoven Road in Mendham.

The bear on the video was recorded this month in his East Fox Chase Road backyard. The bear appears to be walking with a slight limp.

"You can see in my video it appears that the bear has a problem with its rear right leg, because it's favoring it as it walks," Moloughney said.

Check out the bear here:

Although bear sightings can be fun photo and video opportunities, it's important to remember how to be safe around the creatures. As bear season ramps up, the Division of Fish and Wildlife shared safety tips for bear encounters:

• Remain calm. Do not run!
• Make the bear aware of your presence by making noise. Leave an escape route for the bear. If the bear does not leave, slowly back away.
• If the bear approaches, stand your ground and be assertive. Make yourself look big by waving your arms. Stay together as a group. Toss rocks or sticks.
• If a black bear attacks, fight back! Do not play dead!
• Never feed a bear. It is Dangerous and Illegal. Fed bears can become habituated and may need to be killed to protect public safety.

Residents can report aggressive bears to local police stations, and DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife at 1-(877)-WARN-DEP

Have you seen a bear recently? Send photos and videos to katie.kausch@patch.com.

Image and video via Tom Moloughney

Have a tip? Want to say hi? Email katie.kausch@patch.com.