Black bear on the move in South Jersey

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. (WPVI) -- A black bear, that's popped up in several South Jersey communities, appears to be on the move.

On Tuesday night, a bear was last observed leaving Mt Laurel and traveling east into Hainesport Township.

A night earlier, the bear was spotted in the woods near the intersection of Briggs and Union Mill roads in Mount Laurel.

On Monday, between 8:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., a driver reported a bear crossing Church Road near Mount Laurel Avenue.

That was not even today's first report.

Lieutenant Stephen Riedener of Mount Laurel Police explains, "Earlier in the day, around 6:30, there was a sighting in the township just south of us. So it makes sense that he probably crossed north into our town from there."

Multiple bear sightings, and no, it's not certain if it's just one or more bears.

The bear sightings have been the talk of many Burlington County towns for six days now.

The first reports occurred last Wednesday from Winslow Township near the Wharton State Forrest.

Every day since there have been new sightings. The reports have generally progressed northward - Waterford, Evesham, Medford, Mount Laurel - covering a roughly 20 mile stretch.

In Mount Laurel today alerts were sent via social media and texts. Schools were advised to be watchful when letting students outside.

Bob Wolff was mowing his lawn today, and said he thought about what to do if a bear showed up - no sudden moves.

"Slowly get into the house and call the police," he said.

Brittany Bambino was out looking for a bear today, armed with only a camera.

Police say use extreme caution around a bear.

Lieutenant Riedener says, "The last thing you should do is approach it, try to feed it, because it is a wild animal."

New Jersey's Division of Wildlife and Fisheries says this behavior is normal for bears, but reminds us that the bear should not be approached.