An Increase In Black Bear Sightings In Pennsylvania Lead Experts To Believe More People Are Home To See Them
By Beth Price-Williams|Published July 29, 2020
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Black bears are making headlines in PA these days. Chances are you’ve seen a story on your local newscast about a black bear in a neighborhood, asleep in a pool, or digging in the trash. If you haven’t seen it on the news, just jump onto social media. While black bears are getting a whole lot of attention, does that mean there are more black bears in Pennsylvania these days?
Black bears are certainly being spotted a lot more these days, but that’s simply because they live in about three-quarters of Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Although they’re known to live in three-quarters of the state, however, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has received reports of sightings from all 67 counties. It also reports that, as of 2015, an estimated 20,000 black bears live in Pennsylvania.
Officials believe that the increase of black bear sightings in Pennsylvania can be attributed to a few things. Pennsylvania had a pretty mild May, drawing more bears out into the open during the day.
It’s illegal in Pennsylvania to feed black bears. If you know that there are black bears in your area, avoid putting out bird food or food for other animals, such as squirrels. If you do put it out, bring it in at night.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission also recommends keeping trash indoors until it’s time to be picked up and bringing any pet food indoors in the evening.
Don’t panic if you see a black bear in your yard. You can chase it away by making a loud noise, or simply let him be until he leaves. The good news is black bears rarely attack and will generally back away if you cause a commotion.
Have you spotted any black bears in Pennsylvania? Are you near a forested area or in a neighborhood? Join the conversation in the comments! For an up-close view of various animals, go on a drive-thru safari at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park in Halifax.
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