In Pennsylvania, bears are found in large forested areas statewide. They currently occupy over three-quarters of the state, although sightings have been confirmed in every county.
What county in Pennsylvania has the most black bear?
Lycoming County
2021 Bear season stats from the Pennsylvania Game Commission
Bears were taken in 59 of 67 counties and 22 of Pennsylvania’s 23 Wildlife Management Units in the 2021 seasons. Lycoming County gave up 212 bears to rank first among counties for bear harvest.
What counties in PA have bears?
Top 10 bears
Lycoming County has the most bears harvested this fall with 212. It’s followed by Potter with 179, Pike at 167, Tioga with 165, Clinton had 155 and Bradford at 135. Sullivan had 127, Wayne came in at 119, Centre had 116 and Huntingdon rounded out the Top 10 list with 115 bears this fall.
How common are black bears in Pennsylvania?
In the most recent report by Pennsylvania Game Commission, more than 16,000 black bears live in Pennsylvania. Black bears seem to be heavy, yet they are surprisingly agile, capable of running up to 35 mph, climbing trees, and swimming well. In the wild, they can live up to 25 years.
Where can I see bears in Pennsylvania?
The new Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park is perfect for observing wildlife in all seasons: bears, eagles, otters, and a small elk population.
Are there mountain lions in PA?
No wild cougars have been found in Pennsylvania since their extirpation in 1871.
What time of day are black bears most active?
Bear Behavior
Bears are most active during early morning and late evening hours in spring and summer. Mating usually takes place in July. Both female and male bears may have more than one mate during the summer.
What PA County has the most bears?
Potter County finished with 188 bears to take the top county bear harvest. It was followed by Lycoming County, with 185. Other top counties for bear harvests in 2020 were: Tioga, 184; Clearfield, 157; Monroe, 152; Clinton, 149; Elk, 140; Luzerne, 125; and Carbon, 117.
What county in PA has the highest bear population?
The highest season on record was 2019 when 4,653 bears were taken. Bears were taken in 59 of the state’s 67 counties. Of that total for 2021, 87 were harvested in Warren County, up one from 2020. Counties with the highest totals include Lycoming, Potter and Pike.
How do you tell if there is a bear in the area?
Black Bear Sign
- Bear Tracks and Trails. Bears walk on the soles of their soft feet, so they often do not leave distinct tracks unless they walk through soft mud or snow.
- Scat / Droppings.
- Marking Trees and Poles.
- Straddle Trees and Bushes.
- Feeding Sign.
- Summer Beds.
- Winter Dens.
What time do bears come out in PA?
Bears may be on the move at any time, but are most active at dusk and dawn. Bears are omnivorous, eating almost anything, from berries, corn, acorns, beechnuts and even grass, to table scraps, carrion, honey and insects. During late summer and fall, black bears fatten up for winter hibernation.
What to do if a black bear approaches you?
Back away when possible. If attacked, immediately fight back. DON’T feed bears. A word about bear spray: Bear spray (pepper spray specifically made as a bear deterrent) can be an effective tool if you encounter an aggressive bear.
Are there wolves in PA?
In the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, quietly secured on 80 plus acres of natural woodland, you will find the home of the Wolves of Speedwell. At Speedwell Forge, a quiet haven just north of the town of Lititz, PA, the Darlington Family has offered refuge to gray wolves and wolf-dogs for over 40 years.
Do the Poconos have bears?
Bears, squirrels, raccoons, opossums, foxes, bobcats, coyotes and deer are some of the key players in the Poconos’ mammal population. Bears and deer especially flourish in the Pocono Mountains, so much so that residents consider them pests.
Are black bears active at night?
Behavior: Most bears become active a half-hour before sunrise, take a nap or two during the day, and bed down for the night an hour or two after sunset. Some bears are active mainly at night to avoid people or other bears. Black bears are considered highly efficient hibernators.
Where is the best place to see black bears?
The best places to see black bears in the US
- Tongass National Forest, Alaska.
- Tofino, British Columbia.
- Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Montana and Idaho.
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina and Tennessee.
- Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge, North Carolina.
Do black panthers live in PA?
No. Black panthers are indigenous to the jungles asia, africa, and south america. Though there may be some in local zoos. There are mountain lions, cougars, and pumas in Pennsylvania.
Is there black Panthers in PA?
Theories include the Nittany Lion, Mountain Lion, Puma, Cougar, Bobcat and even an actual black eastern Panther . Today, there are none in existence in this area; the last mountain lions was seen in 1874. The last wild panther known to have walked in the Pennsylvania woods did so in Berks County.
What big cats live in PA?
Biology. The bobcat, also known as the bay Iynx, wildcat, red lynx and swamp tiger, is the state’s only feline predator.
Do dogs scare away bears?
Black bears usually run away when dogs chase them. Even the smallest breeds of dogs have scared black bears away. However, bears learn to ignore dogs that are tied up or in pens.
What months are black bears most aggressive?
7 ) Be extra careful in August, when hungry bears are filling up with high-energy foods in preparation for winter denning. Fatal attacks most often occur in this month. 8 ) Don’t assume that there’s less danger in Canada and Alaska simply because there are fewer encounters between black bears and humans.