A mysterious drone crashed into a backyard in Pequannock Township, New Jersey, on Thursday night, fueling growing concerns over unexplained aerial sightings in the area. The drone, identified as a hobby or toy type, crashed around 8:45 p.m. in a quiet suburban neighborhood. In recent weeks, North Jersey has seen an increase in drone sightings, prompting worries from residents.

Authorities are investigating the origins and purpose of these drones, as the FAA regulates their activity. While the Pequannock Police Department confirmed the crash drone wasn’t commercial or military-grade, it’s still unclear who owns or operates the drones seen across the state. Some local residents have reported hearing crashes and spotting drones near their homes.

This uptick in sightings has raised speculation about everything from recreational use to unauthorized surveillance. A Navy weapons station in New Jersey also reported multiple drone intrusions into its airspace. The increase in such incidents has sparked concerns about safety and security, with authorities intensifying efforts to identify the operators.

In response to these unexplained events, the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety warned against approaching downed drones. This surge in drone activity follows a broader trend of unusual aerial sightings across the U.S., prompting heightened safety measures and calls for a temporary drone ban.