Bear euthanized after rampage through Vernon Dollar General; 90-year-old woman injured

A 175-pound female black bear was euthanized after a rampage through a Dollar General store in Vernon, New Jersey, during which a 90-year-old woman was attacked. The bear was captured on video roaming the store aisles around 2 p.m. Tuesday as the incident unfolded.

It first entered the Vernon Dollar General around 2 p.m., then left before police arrived. About two hours later it returned and began chasing employees and the restaurant’s dog before retreating back to the Dollar General, where it attacked the 90-year-old shopper. The woman sustained scratches on her leg and was hospitalized for minor injuries, according to local reports and subsequent updates. The bear’s behavior prompted a rapid response from law enforcement and wildlife officials and drew attention to ongoing bear activity in suburban areas of New Jersey.

A dramatic moment in the incident is captured in footage showing Sean Clarkin, a local real estate agent, guiding the bear outside after stepping into the scene. Clarkin told The New York Times that his aim was to remove the animal from the store to protect customers and staff, and he described the decision as necessary in the moment. "Getting the bear out of the store seemed like the thing to do," he said of his actions.

Authorities tracked the bear across the street and ultimately determined it needed to be euthanized in the parking lot. Police and wildlife officials confirmed the bear was euthanized after being corralled nearby. New Jersey Fish and Wildlife collected the animal for rabies testing, and officials said they would update the public when results are available. The agency noted that such testing is standard procedure in wildlife incidents and serves to inform ongoing safety guidance for residents.

Restaurant owner Aaron Glading said he took his dog to a veterinarian after the incident; according to him, the dog did not suffer bites or scratches, though the attack clearly left the animal shaken. The incident underscores the ongoing challenge of managing wildlife in populated areas and the importance of rapid, coordinated responses by police, wildlife officials, and bystanders who help prevent further harm.