Shoppers Panic After Black Bear Bites Woman in Store

We Montanans are already used to keeping an eye out for bears when we’re hiking, camping or even grilling in the backyard. But people in New Jersey recently found out the hard way that you don’t need to go into backcountry wilderness for a bear encounter: it might just be between the laundry detergent and $1 flip-flops.

Read More: Hiker Hurt in First Yellowstone Bear Attack in 4-years

Earlier this week, a black bear walked into a Dollar General in Vernon Township, New Jersey. No, this isn't he start of a dumb. Dad joke. The 175-pound bear managed to bite a 90-year-old woman on the leg. Luckily, she suffered only minor injuries, but…not the bargain discount shopping trip Grandma was looking for.

The Aftermath

Employees and customers rushed to get out of the bear’s path through the store. The video ended with one brave shopper even managing to steer the animal into the parking lot. Unfortunately, the bear did not have a happy ending. State wildlife officials euthanized it under their standard “category 1” bear protocols and sent its remains off for rabies testing.

Bear Aware, Everywhere

And here’s what it means for us Montanans: “bear aware” isn’t just a Glacier or Bob Marshall only philosophy. Bears are curious, erratic, and sometimes just plain opportunistic. And if they can raid a Dollar General in New Jersey, you’d better believe that your driveway or backyard is no problem. Maybe even the break room at work, if nobody bothers to lock the door.

So yeah, watch your six, not just in the woods but when you’re snagging snacks and paper towels. I'm not saying you have to pack a giant bottle of bear spray for your next trip to Town Pump. Just keep this incident in the back of your mind for the day you find yourself face-to-face with a bear in the cereal aisle.