Residents urged to exercise caution in woods.
By Ruth Luse
A dead, partially eaten sheep was found on the property of Joel and Arleta Ferrette of 321 Pennington-Harbourton Road at 9 a.m. Thursday.
Hopewell Township Police Chief Michael Chipowsky said Thursday afternoon that N.J. Fish and Game has confirmed that a sheep was killed by a bear. No bear actually was seen, but bear tracks were found near the dead animal.
Bob English, deputy animal control officer for Hopewell Township, also went to the scene, after Ms. Ferrette contacted the Hopewell Township Health Department, as well as Fish and Game people Thursday morning.
Mr. English said Thursday that a trap has been set on the Ferrette property, because today’s (Thursday’s) victim was not the first. On Saturday (May 3), a ewe was killed and a lamb injured. Mr. English said it appears the lamb might have been running from a bear and hit a fence, breaking a leg. A fourth sheep is missing, he said.
The weekend incident was reported Monday, after the Ferrettes returned from a vacation. A relative was watching over the property while the owners were away.
Chief Chipowsky said there had been no reports of bears being aggressive toward people, but urged the public to exercise caution in wooded areas.
If one sees a bear, what should one do? "Go the other way," said Chief Chipowsky.

