Living in Pennsylvania means we’re familiar with slowing down for deer crossing the road and with seeing our fair share of wildlife in our neighborhoods. In recent years, black bears have become more commonly sighted in neighborhoods, and backyards, all over the state. While a black bear might look oh-so-cute climbing into a hot tub or taking a dip in the pool, there are some precautions you’ll probably want to take to keep you and your pets safe. Here’s what you need to know about black bears in Pennsylvania.
If you watch the local news, you’ve probably seen an increase in the stories about bears wandering into backyards, turning over garbage cans, and even relaxing in swimming pools.
Flickr/Jim Mullhaupt
More than 16,000 black bears are said to live in Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. While your chances of being injured by a black bear are minimal…
Flickr/Jim Mullhaupt
…you can take several precautions to keep black bears out of your yard and away from your pets. Did you know that it’s illegal in Pennsylvania to put out food to attract bears to your yard? Bears who rely on people for food often die.
Flickr/Luke H. Gordon
Bears are attracted to food, so make sure there’s no food in your yard. If you feed your dog outside during the day, bring his food bowl inside at night.
Flickr/Jim Mullhaupt
Garbage is just as attractive to black bears as food. Your best bet is, if you can, to keep your garbage indoors (preferably in the garage or the basement) until trash day.
Flickr/happynutritionist
If a black bear visits your backyard, you have two choices, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Wait until the bear leaves on his own, or make a loud noise to scare him away.
Flickr/Jim Mullhaupt
Black bears are most active at dawn and at dusk.
Flickr/Florida Fish & Wildlife
Head over to the official website of the Pennsylvania Game Commission for more information on black bears in Pennsylvania.
Flickr/Jim Mullhaupt
Black bears in Pennsylvania have certainly become a common sight for some. Have you seen any black bears yet this year, or are you taking precautions to keep them away from your home? Share your experience in the comments! You might also want to keep an eye out for copperheads, too. With the return of the cicadas, more copperheads will be out this season.
Flickr/Jim Mullhaupt
Flickr/Luke H. Gordon
Flickr/happynutritionist
Flickr/Florida Fish & Wildlife
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