90-Year-Old Woman Shrugs Off Run-In With Bear Inside New Jersey Dollar General

VERNON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Shoppers at a Dollar General in northern New Jersey were stunned when a 175-pound black bear strolled through the aisles this week — and even more shocked when a 90-year-old customer simply kept shopping after the animal swiped at her.

Bear Wanders Into Store

Police said they first received reports of a bear near the McAfee area Dollar General around 1:39 p.m. on Sept. 16. Officers guided the animal away, but about an hour later, a second 911 call reported that the bear had entered the store.

Inside, the bear “made contact” with a 90-year-old woman, who was later taken to the hospital for evaluation. Despite the close call, witnesses said she seemed unfazed.

“I told her, ‘There’s a bear in the store.’ She said, ‘I know, he swiped at me,’” recalled Christine Flohr, who works nearby.

Customer Escorts Bear Outside

Another shopper, identified as Sean Clarkin, calmly coaxed the bear outside using gentle commands. Video shared on social media shows him guiding the animal toward the exit, saying, “Let’s go, buddy. Keep coming. Good boy!”

The bear remained in the parking lot until authorities arrived.

Bear Later Euthanized

According to New Jersey Fish and Wildlife, the bear was classified as a Category 1 threat after it attacked a dog, chased employees at a neighboring business, and entered the store. Officials euthanized the animal and sent it for rabies testing, with results expected in several days.

Local residents expressed sadness but also concern about the rise of bear encounters in suburban areas.

While most customers rushed to safety, the 90-year-old’s calm reaction to her run-in with the bear left witnesses both stunned and impressed.

Would you have kept shopping after an encounter with a bear, or headed for the exit? Share your reaction with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.