Vernon Township, NJ – A startling encounter unfolded inside a Dollar General store in New Jersey’s Vernon Township on September 16, when a 175-pound black bear unexpectedly wandered into the store, making contact with a 90-year-old woman. Remarkably, the elderly shopper initially continued shopping despite the encounter, highlighting a surreal moment that left other customers and employees stunned.
The Unexpected Bear Encounter Inside the Store
Around 2:55 p.m. local time, police received a 911 call from a Dollar General employee reporting the presence of a black bear inside the store. Earlier that day, officers had already been alerted around 1:39 p.m. about the same bear near the store in Vernon Township’s McAfee area. This unusual animal intrusion escalated when the bear entered the store, inadvertently interacting with shoppers.
According to the Vernon Township Police Department, the bear “made contact” with a 90-year-old woman, who was later transported to a hospital for evaluation. However, eyewitness accounts revealed that initially, she calmly continued her shopping as if nothing unusual had happened.
Christine Flohr, an employee at a nearby cannabis shop, told The New York Times about trying to convince the elderly woman to leave after spotting her inside. Flohr quoted her as saying, “I told her, ‘There’s a bear in the store.’ She said, ‘I know, he swiped at me.’”
Community Response and Bear Evacuation
Amid the chaos, another customer, identified as real estate agent Sean Clarkin, took initiative. Video footage shared on Facebook by The Garden State showed Clarkin calmly guiding the bear out of the store, coaxing it with phrases like, “Let’s go, buddy,” and successfully escorting it to the parking lot until authorities arrived.
“Getting the bear out of the store seemed like the thing to do,” Clarkin told, adding, “This bear was sick in some manner. He was just like a really hung-over bear, trying to make it through the day.”
Aftermath and Safety Measures
Before entering the Dollar General, the bear had attacked a dog and chased two employees from a property nearby. Store owner Aaron Glading described the incident: “The bear tackled my dog,” though the animal did not bite or scratch the pet. He also noted with certainty that the bear appeared to be unwell.
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The Vernon Township Police coordinated with New Jersey Fish and Wildlife officials, who followed state protocols for dealing with category 1 bears—those deemed a threat to public safety and property. The bear was subsequently euthanized and taken for rabies testing, which is expected to take 3-5 days.
Key Facts and Takeaways
- The incident took place at the Dollar General in the McAfee area of Vernon Township on September 16, 2025.
- The bear weighed approximately 175 lbs. and showed signs of illness or distress.
- The bear made contact with a 90-year-old woman, who was hospitalized but initially kept shopping.
- Another customer successfully guided the bear out of the store before police arrived.
- The bear was euthanized under New Jersey Fish and Wildlife’s strict criteria for dangerous bears.
- Rabies testing is underway to determine if the bear was carrying the disease.
This incredible incident highlights the challenges wildlife authorities face when urban areas intersect with natural bear habitats. For more details, visit the original report from PEOPLE.
What Can We Learn and Expect Going Forward?
Experts emphasize the importance of public safety and awareness when wildlife intrusions happen inside human establishments. This case specifically underlines the potential risks posed by sick or disoriented animals venturing into populated areas, especially during certain seasons.
Authorities recommend the following precautions:
- Remain calm and avoid direct confrontation with wildlife inside stores or homes.
- Notify authorities immediately of any animal intrusions.
- Keep pets and children safe and secure away from the area until professionals arrive.
- Be aware of signs that wildlife may be sick or injured and report unusual behavior.
The collaboration between customers, store employees, and wildlife officials in Vernon Township prevented what could have been a much worse situation. The community’s swift actions were critical in mitigating danger and ensuring safety.
Share Your Experience
What do you think about this extraordinary encounter with a black bear inside a New Jersey Dollar General store? Have you ever witnessed wildlife unexpectedly appearing in a public place? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!