Here Come the Bears, Agency Warns

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Now is the time of year when hungry black bears roam throughout Bucks County looking for food before hibernating this winter, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has warned, in releasing advice on how best to handle an encounter with one checking out leftover pet food and alluring trash bags in the backyard.

Hyperphagia is here, the commission said.

“When encountering a bear, it’s important to let the bear know you are there,” said Travis Lau, Communications Director, state Game Commission. “Something as simple as whistling or speaking a few words to get the bear’s attention is often enough to send it away.”

Black bears rarely are aggressive, he said, but it should be known to never run from a bear; just move away and leave the area. If a black bear does approach, appear “big” by making loud noises and clapping hands while moving away, said Lau.

Though few black bears reside – both live and hibernate -- in Bucks County, some often appear in the area searching for food. Last spring, for example, bears were sighted in several Bucks towns from Plumstead and Doylestown townships, to Lower Makefield, Lower Southampton and Solebury townships.

“This year we’re not really getting reports of bears in the county, outside of typical reports in spring and summer when yearling male bears roam widely in search of new home ranges,” said Lau, noting bears were last harvested in Bucks County in 2021, 2016 and 2015.

In anticipation of their upcoming hibernation – typically it’s from late October to early December -- black bears are searching for food. In September black bears enter hyperphagia, which means they may search for food for up to 20 hours daily. Bears can gain two to three pounds a day during this time.

Said Lau: “Bear activity begins to slowdown in November, with most bears denning by mid-December. In Pennsylvania, most den on the ground, usually with cover.”

The search for food often includes a visit to residential neighborhoods.

“When people encounter bears around their house, it’s often because there are food sources like birdfeeders, pet food and garbage that are attracting bears,” he said. “Cleaning up those food sources removes a bear’s motivation.”

The number of black bears in Pennsylvania has increased from about 4,000 statewide in the 1970s to 16,000 today.

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Black bear in yard.Photo byPete NuijonUnsplash