Uninvited Guest: Bear's Double Visit to Dollar General Leaves Senior Injured in Sparta, NJ

A tranquil afternoon in Sparta, New Jersey, was abruptly shattered when an unexpected patron made not one, but two memorable appearances at a local Dollar General store, culminating in a harrowing encounter that left a 90-year-old woman injured. The unusual series of events unfolded on September 20, 2025, when a bear decided to make a spontaneous, and ultimately aggressive, foray into human retail territory.

The initial sighting of the bear inside the Dollar General sent a ripple of shock through employees and customers alike.

It's not every day that a wild animal wanders the aisles of a discount store, and local reports suggested the bear initially appeared disoriented but eventually exited the premises without further incident, leading many to believe the strange episode was over.

However, the bear had other plans.

Just a short while later, the same animal reportedly re-entered the store, escalating the situation dramatically. During this second visit, the bear encountered a 90-year-old female shopper. Witnesses recounted a frightening moment when the bear, for reasons unclear, made contact with the elderly woman, knocking her to the ground.

She sustained injuries in the fall and was promptly transported to a local hospital for treatment, where her condition was later reported as stable.

Emergency services, including the Sparta Police Department and New Jersey Fish and Wildlife officials, quickly converged on the scene. Their swift and coordinated response was crucial in managing the escalating situation.

After a tense standoff and careful maneuvering to ensure public safety, wildlife officers were able to successfully tranquilize the bear. Once sedated, the animal was safely removed from the store and transported to a suitable location for assessment.

This incident has inevitably sparked conversations within the community regarding the increasing frequency of human-wildlife interactions, particularly in areas where suburban development encroaches on natural habitats.

While bear sightings are not entirely uncommon in parts of New Jersey, an incident of this nature – involving an unprovoked attack inside a commercial establishment – serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the importance of coexisting responsibly. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and remind residents to exercise caution and report any aggressive animal behavior.