Bear sighting in Essex County, New Jersey, prompts South Orange & Maplewood School District to cancel outdoor activities.

A wandering bear in Essex County, New Jersey, has prompted the South Orange & Maplewood School District to cancel all outdoor activities as a precaution. The last reported bear sighting was at about 10 a.m., but all after-school activities were held as scheduled. Bear sightings in New Jersey have increased by 69.5% compared to this time last year, but total interactions are down by 1.2%.