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• BLACK BEARS ARE MOVING BACK INTO THE NEIGHBORHOOD! |
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Residents of Spring Mount and the surrounding communities have been surprised this summer by some new neighbors.Black bears have been spotted raiding bird feeders and looking for dinner around residential areas.
The American Black Bear (Ursus americanus) was roaming Penn’s Woods long before the earliest human settlements here. They are basically shy and should not be feared. However, they are powerful wild animals and must be respected.
The return of wildlife to the region is a sign that our impacts on the local environment and habitats are in greater balance than in the past. This is a good thing. The returning wildlife includes bald eagles, mink, river otters, cranes and other indicators of a healthy, clean eco-system. Encounters with most of the region’s returning wildlife are awe-inspiring. Meeting up with a black bear will be exhilarating as well but also poses numerous risks. So here are some tips from the Pennsylvania Game Commission regarding potential meetings with Ursus americanus.
Most bears are visiting residential areas in search of an easy meal. This can be anything from an unsecured trashcan to your birdfeeder. Once a bear has had a meal somewhere, it will remember the location and return regularly. Bears also have a great sense of smell so it does not take much to attract them. To help discourage this behavior, keep trash can lids secure with tie downs or elastic cords if necessary. Secure dumpster lids. Feed pets indoors. Stop feeding the birds during the early summer months. Keep fruit & veggie clippings out of your compost. Clean your barbecue grill.
Residents of areas where bears have been spotted should work together to ensure that all trash receptacles are secure and there are no easy sources of food left around to entice bears to the neighborhood.
Black bears are not generally dangerous and will likely run away from you rather than approach or attack. But there are a few key rules to follow should you encounter a bear.
· Do not feed the bear. The bear may become agitated once the food is gone or removed. Feeding will also create a firm connection with humans or your location as a food source and the bear will likely return looking for another meal. Also, it is illegal to feed bears in Pennsylvania.
· Stay calm and keep your distance. If you are hiking or “on the bear’s turf” slowly back away while making some noise. You don’t want to startle the bear, just let it know you are there.
· Do not turn away from the bear or run away. Remain facing the bear as you back away but do not make direct eye contact. Eye contact may be seen as an aggressive action.
· Do not run or climb a tree. Rapid movements may be perceived as a danger by the bear. You will not be able to outrun a bear, which can reach speeds of 30 mph.
· Be mindful of the potential for cubs. You may not even see the cubs but you want to make sure that you are moving away from the mother bear and not inadvertently coming between her and the cubs. This is also another reason not to climb a tree – cubs are often harbored on trees if the mother perceives a threat.
· Look for signs that the bear feels threatened or nervous. Pacing, swinging its head or popping its jaw indicates that the bear is uneasy. Continue backing away calmly while you talk to the bear.
· An attack is unlikely to occur but should the bear charge, stand your ground. Wave your arms and shout at the bear. If it makes contact, fight back.
· If a bear is foraging around your house or business, stay inside. Turn on all your outside lights but do not go outside with a flashlight to investigate. Being black, bears blend into the darkness very well and you may come across your visitor unexpectedly. Such a close encounter will startle the bear (and you too!)
To report nuisance bears, contact the Game Commission’s Southeast Regional Office at 610.926.3136. This office is in Reading and the Game Commission is not a “rapid response” emergency service provider. If there is an immediate threat, dial emergency services at 911 for your local police.
Source of information regarding ursus americanus:
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/lib/pgc/blackbear/pdf/living_with_bears.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Black_Bear
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