Hiker killed by bear in Apshawa Preserve
WEST MILFORD — A 22-year-old hiker was killed over the weekend by a black bear, according to West Milford Police.
Darsh Patel of Edison and four friends were hiking in the Apshawa Preserve on Sunday afternoon when they encountered a black bear in the woods, according to a release from West Milford police Chief Timothy Storbeck. The bear began to follow them and they ran in different directions. Four of them were able to locate one another and called police for assistance at around 3:45 p.m. after they couldn't find Patel.
The West Milford Search and Rescue unit searched the area and located Patel's body at about 5:54 p.m. Storbeck said evidence at the scene indicated that Patel had been attacked by a bear.
A bear was located at the scene and immediately euthanized, Storbeck said. The matter is under investigation by the New Jersey State Medical Examiner, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Fish and Wildlife and the West Milford Police Department.
In a statement, Mayor Bettina Bieri sent condolences to the victim's family and friends, calling it a tragic event. She said the township will work with state and county officials to determine the circumstances.
"In the interim, we are reminded of the importance of learning to live with wildlife," said Bieri. "Bear attacks against humans are extremely rare; they are generally gentle creatures that avoid human interaction. Bears are nevertheless wild animals with an element of unpredictability, as proven in this very unfortunate situation, so taking appropriate precautions is imperative."
Several groups in the township have come together and are hosting a talk Monday night at town hall from 7 to 9 p.m. about living with black bears in New Jersey. It was planned prior to this incident.
The Passaic County Sheriff's Department and the Passaic County CSI unit assisted with the search and investigation, as well as the Passaic County Sheriff's Search and Rescue, West Milford First Aid Squad and the West Milford Fire Department Company 1.