NJ State Police & Bear Cub Rescue: A Heartwarming Story

New Jersey State Police rescued an abandoned bear cub along Interstate 78 in Union Township on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Troopers responded to a call about the lone cub spotted in a roadside ditch near milepost 12.2.

The rescue occurred at approximately 1:37 p.m., according to the New Jersey State Police. Officers from Troop B Perryville station secured the small black bear cub and transported it back to the station.

Photos of the rescue posted on the New Jersey State Police’s Facebook page show a trooper smiling while holding the cub, which appears to be giving a side-eye glance. The images quickly gained attention on social media.

“Put him through the academy,” wrote one social media user. “Can you imagine busting through a door with a whole bear?”

Social Media User

Social media users reacted with humor and affection to the photos, with one person jokingly suggesting the cub be outfitted with a hat. The New Jersey State Police also received comments praising their work.

The cub was subsequently released to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for proper care, officials said. The department will assess the cub’s health and determine the best course of action, which may include rehabilitation and eventual release back into the wild.

This incident follows a similar rescue reported five days prior, where a state trooper, Thomas Owens, saved a bear cub whose mother was pacing back and forth while attempting to cross a road. More than 5000 bears live in the New England state, according to that report.

The New Jersey State Police announced the rescue on Thursday, April 2, 2026, sharing the story and photos on their Facebook page. The post has garnered significant engagement from the public.