Residents of Sparta and neighboring communities are being cautioned about bears following two recent attacks on dogs. The Sparta Township Police Department reported that a dog was killed by a bear on Graphic Boulevard on May 9, and another dog was attacked on West Mountain Road on May 13th.
The fatal attack occurred when a homeowner heard noises and went outside with her dog, encountering a female bear. The bear killed the small dog, a Chihuahua, despite the woman's attempts to scare it away.
In the first incident, a resident's dogs were attacked when the homeowner tried to startle a bear rummaging through her garbage. One of the dogs was injured but survived the attack.
Both attacks involved a mother bear and a cub. The New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife has set a trap in hopes of catching the bear. No further bear sightings have been reported since Monday.
Local authorities are urging residents to secure garbage and food sources that might attract wildlife and to exercise caution when outdoors. Anyone witnessing an aggressive bear or encountering aggressive wildlife is asked to contact their local police department immediately.