MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — For the second time in about a month, authorities in a Cumberland County municipality have received numerous reports of bear sightings from residents.
The latest sightings have occurred on Dover Court in the Canterbury Estates neighborhood, according to Upper Allen Township Police. It was reported that a large and small bear may be together.
There have been no reports of the bears being hostile or aggressive, according to police, who are advising residents to move trash containers and bird feeders inside, so as not to attract the bears.
"If bears are seen, do not approach the bears or attempt to confine them in any way," the police department said.
Late last month, a bear was spotted in the area of East Winding Hill Road and Winding Hill Drive in Upper Allen Township, police said.
Authorities say bear sightings are common this time of year, as mating season runs through June and July and many juveniles are on the move after being chased off by their mothers.
These juveniles are often curious as they attempt to find a new home territory and will continue to move on if they don't find a food source.
Bears generally avoid humans and will run off when they see or smell humans, experts say. But people should not underestimate a bear’s size, speed or strength.
Bears are fast for their size, and even a young bear's claws are sharp enough to injure a human, according to wildlife experts.
Experts say that bears are wild animals and should not be approached.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission provided several suggestions or warnings for people to use in case of encountering a black bear:
- Alert the Bear – make noise so the bear can hear you, see you and or smell your human scent. Do not surprise a bear as they can be unpredictable at that time.
- Get Back – slowly walk away while facing the bear so you know where the bear is. Do not run!
- Stay Calm – While walking away do not make sudden movements. Attempt to get space between yourself and the bear and to a place of safety: residence, vehicle or other obstacle to be placed between yourself and the bear.
- Pay Attention – Bears may stand up in order to use their senses to determine what you are. Do not view this as a sign of aggression. Continue to walk away while facing the bear and make noise.
- Fight back – Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear attacks, you should fight back by using anything available to you to strike at the bear.
