A routine stretch of Interstate 78 in northern New Jersey became the scene of an unusual discovery when a bear cub was spotted alone in a roadside ditch. The sight of the young animal, separated and exposed near a busy highway, immediately raised concern for its safety.
Shortly before 1:40 p.m. on Wednesday, state police troopers from the Perryville station were called to milepost 12.2 in Union Township. With traffic passing nearby, they arrived to assess the situation and determine how best to handle the stranded cub.
When troopers reached the scene, the bear cub was by itself. There was no sign of its mother, and officials did not know how long the animal had been there or how it ended up in the ditch in the first place.
Troopers were able to safely secure the cub and remove it from the roadside. They transported the animal back to the state police barracks, getting it away from the immediate danger of the highway.
After the rescue, the cub was turned over to staff with New Jersey’s Environmental Protection Department, who began caring for the animal. As of Friday, officials had not released details about the cub’s condition, leaving some questions about its health and next steps unanswered.
