CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — A black bear has been spotted in Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County, police say.
The bear was seen around 10 p.m. Monday in the area of Maple Avenue and in several yards around Bethany Village. It reportedly did some minor property damage.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has been alerted and will be taking appropriate action, according to police.
Residents are advised not to feed or approach the bear.
Here are some other tips for bear sightings from the Game Commission website:
- Alert the bear — If you see a bear, make some noise to alert the bear of your presence, giving it ample time and space to turn and leave. Avoid being caught up in the excitement of seeing a bear and inadvertently letting the bear get too close before surprising it.
- Get back — If you have a close encounter, back away slowly while facing the bear so you always know where the bear is and how its reacting. Wild bears rarely attack people. Slowly backing away diffuses the situation and gives the bear room to flee.
- Stay calm — Encountering a bear can be startling, but try to remain calm. While moving away, avoid sudden movements and talk to help the bear keep track of your retreat. Don’t turn and run or attempt to climb a tree. Running may prompt the bear to give chase, and climbing a tree could be interpreted as a threat to any cubs that are present since cubs often climb trees when startled. Move toward your camper, house, or vehicle if nearby.
- Pay attention — Bears will use all of their senses to figure out what you are. If they recognize you as a person, some may stand upright or move closer in their efforts to detect odors in the air currents. Don't consider this a sign of aggression. Once a bear identifies you, it will usually leave. If it begins to slowly approach you, face the bear, wave your arms wildly, and shout while continuing to back away. The idea is to intimidate the bear into retreating. Swing a stick, your backpack, or whatever is handy if the bear gets close. If suddenly surprised, some bears may feel threatened and give warning signs that they are uncomfortable. They may clack their jaws together or sway their head: those are signs for you to leave. Some bears have been known to charge to within a few feet when threatened. If this occurs, wave your arms wildly and shout at the bear.
- Fight back — Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear attacks, fight back. Bears have been driven away when people have fought back with rocks, sticks, binoculars, and even their bare hands.
