State police troopers in northern New Jersey rescued a bear cub that was found alone in a ditch along the side of Interstate 78 in Union Township, officials said. The response began shortly before 1:40 p.m. Wednesday, when troopers were dispatched to the area.
Troopers from the Perryville station went to milepost 12.2 on the I-78 eastbound side, where the cub was located, officials said. They secured the animal and transported it back to the state police barracks for handling.
After the initial recovery, staff with New Jersey’s Environmental Protection Department took over, according to officials. The department staff were caring for the cub following the transfer.
Officials said they were not able to provide details on the bear’s condition as of Friday. They also said it was not clear how the cub ended up in the ditch or how long it may have been there before it was spotted.