Bear runs State College streets

Game Commission says young bruin likely seeking forest

By Nick Malawskey

A black bear spotted wandering through State College this weekend was likely just passing through, said a Pennsylvania Game Commission spokesman.

Photo provided/Laurie Eschmann

The Game Commission said this young black bear seen Sunday morning at the corner of Crabapple Drive and Barley Way was likely pushed out of its home and was searching for a new plot of forest.

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A bear was observed Sunday by Penn State police crossing one of the university’s golf courses about 11 a.m. That same morning, a bear — likely the same one — was captured on camera by Laurie Eschmann, of Rochester, N.Y., as it crossed Crabapple Drive at Barley Way.

Game Commission officials speculated that the bruin was likely in the process of traveling and seeking a new area in which to range. The early summer months are when young male cubs are being forced out of their mothers’ dens, and they must establish their own ranges.

“They (young male bears) will often bump into dominant bears in the area already, and they get pushed off,” said Jerry Feaser, with the Game Commission. “(And then the) young male bears will bump into populated areas.” Feaser said the bears are not looking to settle in populated areas.

“They don’t want to be there just as much as we don’t want them to be there,” he said. “Generally, if left alone, these bears will soon get back into the wilds where they belong.”

It is important that residents who spot a bear do not encourage it to hang around by providing food, such as a tasty snack of trash or bird feed. Residents should also bear in mind that feeding bruins is illegal in Pennsylvania.

“Don’t approach it, but shout at it ... bang pots and pans ... they hate noise and generally that will move the bear off,” Feaser said. “And if it won’t leave, contact the local regional (Game Commission) office or the local police.”

Nick Malawskey can be reached at 235-3928.