Bear seen along Rockleigh trails, warn police

On July 31, Northvale Police reported a bear sighting after a hiker encountered a black bear, which caused them to close the trails behind Rockleigh Borough Hall.

The bear did not threaten the hiker, and footprints were found in the area, suggesting that the bear was heading east toward the Palisades Interstate Parkway.

Northvale Police advise residents on a few bear encounter tips; making noise alerts bears of your presence, and backing away slowly with raised or waving arms makes you look bigger to a bear. If a bear swats the ground, huffs, or bluffs a charge, it is posing a threat, and you are too close to it.