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Bear Beats The Heat With Dip In Caldwell Pool

CALDWELL, NJ (CBS 2) --  The hot weather is taking its toll on everyone, but one homeowner in New Jersey says she had an unwelcomed guest seeking refuge from the heat in her backyard.

A bear stopped by the Caldwell home to cool off Wednesday, dipping its back paws into the homeowner's pool when the temperatures soared.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife says black bears are a common problem in residential neighborhoods in New Jersey, but usually because of garbage. Officials say they're attracted to smelly odors and that securing your garbage is the best way to keep bears out your yard.

But in this case, it was the 90-plus degree temperatures that brought the bear out of the woods. The homeowner said the bear stayed for a few minutes, then walked away. 

EXTRA: Public Pool Guide

Police said the same bear was also spotted in Fairfield.

Earlier this month, a black bear was captured by wildlife officials after it was seen roaming around East Brunswick.

You can report bear damage or nuisance behavior to the DEP's 24-hour hotline at 1-877-WARN DEP. For more information, visit www.state.nj.us/dep.

Have you seen any wildlife cooling off in extreme ways? Let us know in our comments section below...

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