A New Jersey police department is warning residents to be on the lookout after two separate bear encounters killed one pet dog and injured another in less than a week, officials said.
Police in Sussex County's Sparta Township say both incidents, the first on May 9, the second May 13, happened near West Mountain Road. In the first case, a resident's dogs were attacked on Graphic Boulevard. That turned fatal. Four days later there was another dog-bear encounter on Mountain Spring Drive. That dog was injured but survived the attack.
The family in the first case says their pup, Rocco, initially survived, needing more than 100 stitches and running up $6,000 in medical costs. He succumbed to his injuries days later.
The Sparta Township Police Department says it and officials from NJ Fish and Wildlife are investigating the attacks and taking appropriate measures to ensure public safety.
People who live in the area can take additional precautionary measures, like securing garbage and food sources that may attract wildlife before putting it outside.
Anyone witnessing an aggressive bear or encountering aggressive wildlife is urged to contact the Sparta Township Police Department at (973) 729-6121.
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