Bear Lured from Tree With Donuts in Elizabeth

ELIZABETH, NJ —
May 12, 2026  | 
By DailyHudson Staff

Officials used peanut butter and pastries to safely coax the animal down.

Local officials used donuts and peanut butter to coax a bear out of a tree in Elizabeth on Tuesday, according to authorities.

The unusual rescue drew attention from residents as wildlife encounters become more common in urban areas of Hudson County.

The bear was spotted in a tree in a residential area, prompting a response from local police and animal control officials.

Officials used donuts and peanut butter as bait to safely lure the bear down from the tree, according to a statement from city officials.

‘We used some simple treats to bring the bear down without any harm to the animal or the public,’ said a spokesperson for the Elizabeth Police Department.

Impact: Residents in the area were advised to stay indoors during the operation, which lasted about an hour.

What Happens Next: The bear was later taken to a wildlife rehabilitation facility for evaluation and will be released into a suitable habitat, officials said.

Officials remind residents to secure trash bins and avoid leaving food outside to prevent future wildlife encounters.

DailyHudson will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
Source: NJ.com