Winnie in Wyckoff: Black bear's bakery adventure causes stir in township

WYCKOFF — A black bear caused a stir in the township Sunday, ambling through town and then scrambling up a utility pole outside of Palermo's Bakery.

The bear was first seen at the intersection of Franklin and Wyckoff avenues around 1 p.m., according to police reports.

Images of the bruin hugging the pole, with a police officer watching from a safe distance, were posted online by Facebook user Tyler Franco and then shared by Constantine Maroulis, the Broadway and "American Idol" star who's a Wyckoff native.

"Just living that bear life like it’s cool in Wyckoff," Maroulis marveled.

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Wyckoff police did not immediately return phone calls for further details. The bear could not be reached for comment.

Another bear was reported in the Bergen County town on May 1 in the Ravine Avenue area. Police notified residents on social media that they were monitoring the incident and said the bear did not appear to be aggressive.

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"Black bears by nature tend to be wary of humans and avoid people," according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's webpage giving black bear tips.

Some "common-sense safety tips offered by the NJDEP include never feeding or approaching the bear, remain calm, making the bear aware of your presence by speaking in an assertive voice, singing clapping or making other noise."

Kristie Cattafi is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: cattafi@northjersey.com

Twitter: @KristieCattafi

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Wyckoff NJ bear spotted in Bergen County downtown climbing pole