Warning Issued to Beware Black Bears

YARDLEY, Pa. -- Bucks County homeowners need now to prepare for the impending end of the black bear hibernation season, says the Pennsylvania Game Commission, because it means that, like last year, hungry black bears will begin to roam area neighborhoods.

It’s very likely to happen again in Lower Bucks, warns the Commission.

“The hibernation period is not necessarily over given individual bears are on their own schedules, but it’s certainly wrapping up,” said Travis Lau, communications director, state Game Commission. “I wouldn’t be surprised if you had sightings again this year.”

A number of black bears were seen roaming neighborhoods in Upper Makefield, Lower Southampton and Doylestown townships, among other places, he said, but future locations are unknown.

“It’s unpredictable because a roving bear with the potential to include your area in its route might just as easily head in the other direction,” said Lau. “In all cases, though, bears will be moving more in coming months.”

Their “moving” is indicative, he said.

“A lot of sightings in southeastern Pennsylvania result from roving bears as opposed to resident bears,” said Lau. “Aside from yearlings (those in their second year) dispensing to new home ranges, the breeding season usually peaks in mid-June and that will bring about more activity. But people are more likely to catch glimpses of that in areas with more bears and populations of resident bears.”

Once a black bear emerges from its den following hibernation, it seeks food and a new home range.

“Yearling males will establish home ranges about 10 miles on average from the areas where they were raised,” said Lau. “Some go even farther. They cover a lot of ground getting there.”

With black bears expected soon in Lower Bucks, Lau said the time is now to prepare and stay safe.

“Remove food sources, including bird feeders and trash kept outside,” he said. “Even bears that are just passing through will be seeking out easy meals along the way.”

Homeowners should remove anything outside that poses as motivation for the bear to approach.

“Such food also can continually draw in bears if any live in the area,” he said. “Removing a bear’s motivation to come close to houses and neighborhoods can prevent encounters.”

To avoid encounters, he said, residents should practice these six at-home strategies: Never feed or approach a black bear; secure food, garbage and recycling; remove bird feeders when bears are active; never leave pet food outdoors; clean and store grills and smokers, and alert neighbors to bear activity.

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Black bears soon will be roaming for food.Photo byPete NuijonUnsplash