Police said the man's story didn't match up after an investigation.
A Pohatcong Township man is charged after allegedly making up a story he was attacked by a large bear and wasting police, emergency and wildlife resources for hours.
Jeffrey Wilson, 57, of the 300 block of Route 627, faces one count of providing false information to law enforcement, a disorderly person's offense.
Wilson at about 9:30 a.m. Aug. 3 reported to 911 a black bear, estimated to be 500 pounds, ran over and began swatting at him. The man told police he was feeding cats outside during the time of the attack.
When officers arrived, they found Wilson bleeding from the left arm. Wilson told officers the bear then fled into a corn field behind his property, police said.
Both police detectives and conservation officers from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Game conducted an investigation into the alleged attack.
Injuries in reported bear attack tell different story, cops say
Police said it was determined by both departments that Wilson's injuries did not come from a bear encounter. They instead were determined to be pre-existing from a non-related accident that happened the evening of Aug. 2, according to police.
"These conclusions were determined by law enforcement and medical personnel who specialize in animal encounters, along with blood stain analysis," police said Tuesday.
A number listed for Wilson was disconnected and he couldn't be reached for comment. It remains unclear the motive behind Wilson allegedly making up the story.
"At this point, we are still looking into the reason," said Police Detective Sgt. Scott Robb.
Mayor James Kern III Tuesday afternoon praised the work of police in the investigation.
"I commend our law enforcement professionals for their quick investigation on this matter," Kern said. "It is unfortunate that residents had to take unnecessary precautions while this matter was being looked into. Residents should always be diligent and use good judgement in protecting themselves and their homes from wildlife in this rural part of the state."
Wilson's case is scheduled for 1 p.m. Sept. 8 in Pohatcong Township Municipal Court.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.