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Police officers face a variety of situations, from dangerous interactions to piles of paperwork. Sometimes they are asked to work in animal control, which can come with its own set of challenges.
On April 1, New Jersey police received an unusual call that sounded more like an April Fool’s joke than a real concern. A bear cub was found in a ditch in Union Township but couldn’t find a way out, so New Jersey State Police came to the rescue.
Troopers from Perryville Station “B” Troop arrived on the scene along Interstate 78 in the early afternoon.
“The mama bear is conspicuously missing,” WABC-TV’s Sade Baderinwa reported on @abc7ny’s TikTok. In the video, the adorable cub is held in the arms of a police officer and appears to be playing peek-a-boo in the back seat of a patrol car. “The soldiers came over, picked up the cute little bear, played with it on the cruiser for a while, and took it back to the barracks.”
Troopers then released the little cutie to the Department of Environmental Conservation to ensure it was properly cared for.
“Thanks to the quick response of the officers, the cub is now safe and getting the attention he needs,” New Jersey State Police said, according to Foxweather.com.
Viewers fell in love with the furry baby and praised the police for their rescue operation.
“So lovely and precious – thank you officer for saving this beautiful soul,” someone praised.
“Name him Fluffy Fluffy!!” suggested another.
“His face said, ‘I’m really grounded,'” one joked.
How to keep bears away from your home
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) notes that black bears have been spotted in all 21 New Jersey counties this winter, with the majority living in the northwest part of the state. Minimize food and trash left outside to avoid encountering bears nearby.
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“We’ve had a long winter and black bears are coming out of their dens in search of food,” said Dave Golden, NJDEP Fish and Wildlife Assistant Commissioner. “It is important for residents to reduce the likelihood of encounters by removing trash and other potential food sources, as odors can attract them into the community.”
Thanks to these New Jersey police officers, this little bear is safe and hopefully out of trouble from now on.
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This story was originally published by Parade Pets on April 3, 2026 and first appeared in the Pet News section. Click here to add Parade Pets as your preferred source.
