Little Egg Harbor, NJ golf course gets surprise visit from bear

LITTLE EGG HARBOR — A bear roaming through a Jersey Shore town over the weekend took an unexpected detour through a public golf course.

The bear was seen Sunday near the Atlantis Golf Course in Little Egg Harbor, police said. It's unknown what time or exactly where the bear was seen.

Video posted on Facebook shows the bear may have been meandering through Lake Deerbrook Drive early Monday morning. The residential area is around a mile away from the golf course.

Officer Troy Bezak told New Jersey 101.5 that only some bear activity should be reported.

"There were no new sightings of the bear today," Bezak said Monday afternoon. "Residents don't need to report merely a bear sighting. If the bear is threatening human safety or pets, or is destroying property, residents should notify the police at 609 296-3666 or dial 911 in an emergency."

Bezak added that the state Department of Environmental Protection also has a 24-hour, toll-free hotline that can be used for reporting damages caused by black bears at 1-877-WARN DEP (1-877-927-6337).

This is not Little Egg Harbor's first bear visit in recent memory. A black bear spotted near a McDonald's in Stafford made its way to the Jersey Shore town's Parkertown section, police said in June 2020.

Video from the Little Egg Harbor police at the time shows the bear crossing Pinewood Drive. It was eventually guided into a wooded area off Route 539, police said.

Rick Rickman is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at richard.rickman@townsquaremedia.com

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These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions: