Bear caught on video running through Hamilton Twp., New Jersey neighborhood

HAMILTON TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- Bears are starting to come out of hibernation, and one was spotted running through a Mercer County, New Jersey neighborhood.

Nicholas Hoffman of Hamilton Township says he was on his driveway early Monday morning when he spotted the bear.

"I kind of looked left. We have a few bigger black dogs in our neighborhood, so I kind of took a double take and realized it was a bear," he said.

And what he saw is something a lot of people see in the Delaware Valley this time of year: bears waking up after hibernation looking for something to eat after a long winter's nap.

We asked Nicholas what popped into his head when he saw this young bear running across the street.

"Uh, take a video, because no one is going to believe me," he said. "I made sure the dog was inside, but I took the video first."

Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin says his office received word of a few reported sightings, including Hoffman's video, which has since gone viral.

"Glad our residents reported it. We want to keep everyone safe in town, and glad it found its way out of town to hopefully a nice environment," Martin said.

There have since been bear sightings in nearby West Windsor, and surrounding areas.

Of course, it's impossible to know if that was the same bear, but the one seen in Hamilton Township was reportedly traveling in that direction.

Regardless, Mayor Martín says if anyone sees the bear again they should call 911.

"We haven't gotten any reports on any aggressive behavior or anything like that," he said. "The bear is more afraid of you, generally, than you are of the bear."

If you see the bear, authorities say don't approach it or try to feed it.

They say you should remain calm, avoid direct eye contact and slowly back away.