Authorities Remove Black Bear 'Holly' From Glen Rock Tree

When a 215 lbs. black bear dubbed "Holly" wakes from her slumber, she'll be safe – but groggy – at a state facility in northwest New Jersey.

Local authorities and officials from the NJ Department of Fish and Game spent about four hours trying to remove Holly from a tree on Boulevard in Glen Rock Monday morning through early afternoon.

"The resident came out to go to his car this morning and was greeted by the bear," Glen Rock Police Chief Fred Stahman said on scene. "He retreated to his car and the bear went up in the tree."

A fire truck ladder was hoisted to the tall tree and at around 12:15 p.m. Holly was shot with a tranquilizer dart. She emerged unharmed, falling on a net set up nearby.

Fish and Game wildlife technician Michael Madonia said "Holly" – given the name by curious neighbors who had gathered on scene – has been captured and tagged before. Madonia also said it appeared Holly had been hit by a car at some point but otherwise appeared in stable health.

The sighting was unusual in the more urban/suburban area of Boulevard in Glen Rock, in close proximity to Route 208.

"There's coyote and deer" in Glen Rock, Stahman recalled. "Bears? I can't remember one."

Stahman said the bear was not a threat to neighbors and nearby Byrd Elementary School was not locked down.

"Everyone did a great job," he added.