Tiny Bear Cub Rescued From Highway Ditch By New Jersey Troopers

April 9, 2026

A tiny bear cub found alone on the side of a busy highway now has a second chance, thanks to a group of quick-thinking state troopers who turned an unusual call into a heartwarming rescue.

New Jersey State Police

On the afternoon of April 1, troopers from the New Jersey State Police Troop B Perryville Station were dispatched to an unexpected scene along Interstate 78 in Union Township. The report was simple but concerning, a lone bear cub had been spotted sitting in a roadside ditch.

When they arrived, they found exactly that. A small, vulnerable cub with no sign of its mother nearby.

Recognizing the danger, not just to the cub but also from the surrounding traffic, the troopers acted quickly. They carefully secured the young bear and transported him safely back to their station, ensuring he was out of harm’s way.

Today, the New Jersey State Police released bodycam footage of the rescue:

The cub has been placed in the hands of wildlife professionals at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, where he will receive the proper care and attention he needs.

Thanks to the troopers’ swift and compassionate response, what could have been a tragic situation became a story of protection and hope.

New Jersey State Police

It is a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected calls can lead to the most meaningful moments and that a little kindness can go a long way, even for the smallest and furriest members of the community.