Bear sightings abound in southern New Jersey suburb

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. – At least one black bear has been prowling a southern New Jersey suburb and has become the talk of the town.

Residents reported seeing bears in various locations around Mount Laurel on Sunday and Monday. The Burlington County Times reports sightings near a daycare center and a highway interchange.

Police on Monday warned residents not to gather near the critter or try to take its picture.

Black bears have been seen in all 21 New Jersey counties, but most often they are in areas more rural than Mount Laurel.