Bear in fatal, unprovoked New Jersey attack acted 'predatory,' authorities say

WEST MILFORD, N.J. – Authorities say the first known fatal bear attack in New Jersey was unprovoked and the bear was acting in a "predatory" manner.

Officials attribute the death of a 22-year-old Rutgers University student from Edison to "mauling."

Darsh Patel was hiking with four friends in the Apshawa Preserve last month when they noticed the bear following them. The group scattered, and Patel's friends, who were not injured, called police when they realized he was missing.

A search team found Patel's body, which showed signs of a bear attack. A nearby bear was destroyed.

The Record newspaper reports West Milford police and the Environmental Protection Department issued a statement saying the bear did not seem interested in food. Officials said the bear exhibited "stalking type behavior."