People are seeing more black bears in Ferguson and across PA this spring. Here’s why
Ferguson Township police are experiencing an uptick in calls from residents reporting black bear sightings, so much so the department is asking locals to make sure they don’t leave out food for the hungry hibernators.
“Bears are frequently attracted to bird feeders in backyards,” the Ferguson Township Police Department wrote on its Facebook account Monday. “We ask Ferguson residents to bring bird feeders, suet and excess food from cookouts into the house to avoid the presence of bears in backyards, and ultimately, bear-human conflict.”
But what’s driving these increased sightings?
Why is there an increase in bear sighting in Pennsylvania this year?
One Penn State ecologist points to not just the end of hibernation, but also the arrival of the breeding season and younger male bears venturing far afield to establish their turf.
Like the Ferguson Township Police Department, adjunct professor of wildlife ecology Duane Diefenbach recommends being mindful of their presence and bringing outdoor food sources indoors to avoid attracting bears.
“Nine times out of 10, that’s going to eliminate the problem,” Diefenbach said.
It’s important to bear in mind Pennsylvania’s bear population has been on the rise for decades, while humans have moved into their habitats, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. As a result, humans and bears are crossing paths more than ever before.
“I expect to see more human and bear interactions, certainly,” Diefenbach said.
As of 2015, a population estimate from the Pennsylvania Game Commission projected about 20,000 bears were living in the state.
According to the commission: “Black bears will eat human food, garbage, bird feed, pet foods, fruits from trees or gardens, and livestock feed. They also raid cornfields and beehives. Once bears find easily accessible food sources, whether on a farm or in a housing development, they will keep coming back as long as food is available.”
But according to Diefenbach, it’s not just familiar sources of foods that are driving more bear and human encounters.
That’s because adult male bears, called boars, may be wandering further afield to establish their turf. According to Diefenbach, almost all male bears begin to disperse, sometimes traveling hundreds of miles, when they get old enough to leave their mothers.
What should I do if I see a bear?
Bear attacks are extremely rare, especially given how often they encounter people, according to the game commission.
Most of the time, a bear will spot you first and leave the area long before you’ll ever see it.
“They’re usually not very aggressive,” Diefenbach said, noting the one exception is an adult female with cubs, who may feel threatened.
If you do encounter a bear and it hasn’t had time to spot you and flee, the Pennsylvania Game Commission recommends these tips:
Alert the bear — If you see a bear, make some noise to alert the bear of your presence. Don’t let it get too close before startling it.
Get back — If you have a close encounter, back away slowly while facing the bear so you always know where the bear is and how it’s reacting. Wild bears rarely attack people.
Stay calm – While moving away, avoid sudden movements and talk to help the bear keep track of your retreat. Don’t turn and run or attempt to climb a tree.
Pay attention — Bears will use all of their senses to figure out what you are. If they recognize you as a person, some may stand upright or move closer in their efforts to detect odors in the air currents. Don’t consider this a sign of aggression. Once a bear identifies you, it will usually leave. Some bears have been known to charge to within a few feet when threatened. If this occurs, wave your arms wildly and shout at the bear.
Fight back — Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear attacks, fight back. Bears have been driven away when people have fought back with rocks, sticks, binoculars and even their bare hands.