Black Bear numbers have increased substantially in Pennsylvania, from around 4,000 in the 1970s to around 18,000 today. They are generally non-aggressive. By law, Pennsylvania hunters have to bring every bear that they bag to a checking station operated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. For population by age, USAFacts grouped people ages 04 in different ways depending on the census. "They were practically decimated into small subpopulations. It is the only state on our list where the population has fallen. Human population at last census: 1,223,348. The largest bear taken in Pennsylvania in the 2022 hunting season was a 755-pounder in Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County. With ample food availability, Pennsylvanias bears are able to grow to their full genetic potential. All of this data hair, blood, teeth samples will help wildlife scientists better understand the bear population down the road and even help fight diseases like mange. Never purposefully approach a bear or attempt to lure one closer. a small flashlight through the metal grating. Seehereon how to recognize a predatory bear and what to do if you encounter one. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Hes a really good-looking bear, she says, before offering something like a scouting report: fantastic body weight, no bony protrusions indicating malnourishment, no signs of mange, a great looking coat of black fur. Southeast (179): Schuylkill, 75; Dauphin, 66; Northampton, 15; Lebanon, 2; Berks, 17; and Lehigh, 4. Bear numbers in Pennsylvania were once dangerously low. PennLive.com has covered everything about bears in Pennsylvania for many years. Hes clearly getting plenty to eat and hes in really excellent shape, she concludes. Fredrick Smith, 57, of Kennells Mills, Somerset County, got the second bear of his life Saturday afternoon while hunting near his home. The quick answer is yes, but only black bears are present in the state. Final bear harvest numbers will be provided in early 2020 after biologists confirm and crosscheck harvest records. A huge mistake that people sometimes make is to put food out to attract bears on purpose. The seven top harvests all have occurred since 2005. The heaviest bear ever taken in Pennsylvania was an 875-pounder . 67 Bedford SquarePittsburgh, PA 15203 The overall bear population in the state is healthy, with almost 16,000 animals. At about 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, 2014, just off Rt. The information we use to assess the bear population and bear habitat is documented in a written bear management system (PDF) developed in1986, which contains criteria for decision-making and management options. The . Depending on the year, the bear harvest has increased 20 to 80 percent in areas open to extended hunting. That changed after the state placed limits on bear hunting. Only 13 bears were harvested in 2021 with slugs in shotguns. Pennsylvania reports its number of black bears has decreased and that's acceptable, wildlife officials say. Data from 2000 onward will also include the Two or more race category. PGC checks on black bear harvest across Pennsylvania. These were the only categories included before 1990 for the available data. See, The average size of home ranges for adult male bears in Pennsylvania is 20 square miles, while the average size for females is 6 to 8 square miles See. A bear may damage multiple beehives to get at the honey and bees. He said the bear jumped up very close to him, and he was able to quickly dispatch the 399-pound male. Sometimes the bears are attracted into close quarters with human populations by their keen sense of smell. Regionally, 87 bears were harvested in neighboring Berks (17), Dauphin (67), Lebanon (2) and York (1) counties. In civilian labor force, total, percent of population age 16 years+, 2017-2021: 62.9%: In civilian labor force, female, percent of population age 16 years+, 2017-2021: 58.8%: Total accommodation and food services sales, 2017 ($1,000) 28,849,427: Total health care and social assistance receipts/revenue, 2017 ($1,000) 116,621,778 The bears are also weighed. Thus, allowing deer hunters (who purchase a bear license) to take a bear may help remove some problem animals. The American Black Bear is a widely distributed North American mammal that holds spiritual significance for many different cultures. The state 's largest decline was between 2020 and 2021 when the population dropped 0.2%. Here is an example of what Im talking about from 2016 in Berks County. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Black bear attacks are uncommon, especially when compared to attacks by other bear species, but these creatures are nevertheless dangerous. Each side has two molars on top and three on the bottom. After weighing each bear, a tooth is pulled, which is used to determine the age of the bear. Have some feedback for us? As you can see, black bears are not non-aggressive all the time. Hes clearly getting plenty to eat and hes in really excellent shape, she concludes. None have increased by more than 6%, with Cumberland County topping the list at 5.09%, closely followed by Centre County at 5.06%. If you live on a large property, dispose of your grease drippings and food waste in an area far away from your home. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Black bears walk in a shuffling, flat-footed way, but can run as fast as 30 miles per hour over short distances. While the general firearms season has ended, the extended bear season overlaps with rifle deer hunting in Wildlife Management Units 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D Nov. 26-Dec. 10. Bears can also serve as an indicator of ecological health, a symbol of the wilderness, and a source of revenue. However, between 2001 and 2021, black bears killed 28 people in North America. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WGAL-TV. This page features files containing county population totals and components of change for years 2020 to 2022. For some residents in Pennsylvania, black bears have become a familiar sight. 13 August 2021 Episode24 December 2021 Episode. Every decade, the Bureau reconciles these estimates and releases final data. A stable population of bears occurs on the Fort Drum Military Reservation in Jefferson County. Pennsylvania is a really great place to be a bear. Hunters also harvested 4,164 in 2005. Black bears have large, more pointed ears than other bears. Bears were taken in 59 of 67 counties and 22 of Pennsylvania's 23 Wildlife Management Units in the 2021 seasons. The city of Philadelphia is coterminous with Philadelphia County, the municipalities having been consolidated in 1854, and all remaining county government functions having been merged into the city after a 1951 referendum. The latest county preliminary harvest totals for all seasons are: Northwest (535): Warren, 142; Venango, 79; Forest, 66; Jefferson, 65; Clarion, 61; Crawford, 56; Butler, 44; Erie, 15; and Mercer, 7. Fifteen minutes later, she and a couple of helpers Tom Keller, the game commissions game animal section supervisor (and Carrollos boss), and Scott Miller, the district forester for Tuscarora State Forest, west of Harrisburg, pull the bear onto the forest floor. Although harvest has greatly increased, it has remained within acceptable limits. However, areas that are largely agricultural or urban such as the southeastern corner of Pennsylvania and also parts of the western border, lack the forest cover that bears need. How many bears did Pennsylvania hunters kill in 2017? In 2018, hunters took a total of 3,153 bears - Pennsylvania's 11th best bear harvest. Bears were taken in 58 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties. In 2020, Pennsylvania had a population of 12.8M people with a median age of 40.9 and a median household income of $63,627. Heres a look at the rambling bears of Pennsylvania: http://www.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2017/06/bears_on_move_across_pennsylva.html, If you do run into a bear, here's how to survive. The only other year hunters took more than 4,000 bears was in 2005 when 4,164 were taken. He wanted to wait until the weather warmed up before heading out to the woods about noon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Black bears are not grizzly bears. inches. The following is a list of the 67 counties of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The 2010-2020 postcensal estimates are known to underestimate the population by about 1% nationally. http://www.pennlive.com/pa-sportsman/2016/04/could_you_survive_a_pennsylvan.html, http://www.pennlive.com/pa-sportsman/2017/11/black_bear_in_pennsylvania_how.html, http://www.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2010/01/what_triggers_hibernation_in_p.html, http://www.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2018/05/mange_epidemic_in_pennsylvania.html, http://www.pennlive.com/pa-sportsman/2016/04/what_are_your_chances_of_hitti.html, http://blog.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2014/09/bucket_bear_freed_of_its_bucke.html, http://www.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2017/10/bear_family_surprises_rock_hou.html, http://www.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2017/11/bear_with_wanderlust_was_a_tra.html, http://blog.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2016/01/baby_black_bears_being_born_al.html, http://www.pennlive.com/pa-sportsman/2018/04/how_many_bears_did_pennsylvani_2.html, http://www.pennlive.com/pa-sportsman/2017/11/wheres_the_best_bear_hunting_i.html, http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/11/black_bear_pennsylvania_huntin.html. Share their experience with a Pennsylvania bear family:http://www.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2017/10/bear_family_surprises_rock_hou.html, Bear with wanderlust was a traveler to the end. Bountiful Black Bears. Learn more about us & read our affiliate disclosure. Expanded hunting opportunities provided by new special-firearms and muzzleloader bear seasons and an expanded archery bear season have helped push the 2019 bear harvest. Inside, the light makes visible the head of a large black bear long brown snout, round teddy-bear ears, dark eyes. Its more tender.. Tagging the bears to create a census will also help guide management decisions to limit human and bear interactions. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. That count went down to 16,268 in 2021, and now, in 2022, the black bear population in Pennsylvania is 15,666 animals. Brian Whipkey is the outdoors columnist for USA TODAY Network sites in Pennsylvania. These include Forest County (7,306), Juniata County (24,475), and Susquehanna County (41,238). Breeding bears are also present on the Tug Hill Plateau in Lewis and Oswego Counties, although bear abundance is considered fairly low at this time. TNS HARRISBURG (TNS) The black bear population across Pennsylvania is. His work has taken him as far away as Texas and Louisiana to report on the petrochemical industry and as close to home as Greene County, Pennsylvania to cover the shale gas boom. Massachusetts: 4,500. . Prime bear habitat is abundant in Pennsylvania. How dangerous are they? Nuisance bear conflicts have increased more dramatically in the northeast than anywhere else in the state. The response from hunters to the expanded seasons and the success they enjoyed afield were exciting to see.. Monroe County: 114 bears. Here are some examples. Contiguous woods with bogs, marshes, mountains, and a well-established forest understory make up prime bear habitat. Aside from that, they can potentially cause significant damage to your home and or vehicles. Bears that were eating around 8,000 calories per day start taking in up 20,000 calories per day when they enter hyperphagia. The problem is people, especially those who try to feed the animals. In 2020, the official bear count estimate was 20,000. They were practically decimated into small subpopulations. Black bears can be found in northern Middlesex County, Worcester County, and west to the Berkshires. Conversely, many counties in Pennsylvania have populations of fewer than fifty thousand residents. Take a look at an effort to understand the mange epidemic in Pennsylvania bears:http://www.pennlive.com/wildaboutpa/2018/05/mange_epidemic_in_pennsylvania.html. In 2020 a 633-pound black bear was struck by a truck and killed in Potter County. Bears were taken in 59 counties. The state tags these bears as a way to estimate the overall bear population, which has recovered in recent decades. They have long brown snouts, short tails, and small brown eyes, although their eyes are blue at birth. Hunters took 737 bears in the archery season, 712 in the muzzleloader/special firearms season, 1,051 in the general season and 663 in the extended season. Record bear license sales also have contributed: license sales currently exceed 200,000; previously they have held at highs between 170,000 and 175,000. Population trend and harvest levels are closely monitored annually," a statement on the Game Commission's website says. All rights reserved (About Us). Additionally, when you surprise a black bear, they are much more likely to run away than to come toward you. But how the Census Bureau reported and grouped those populations changed over time. The black bear's scientific name is Ursus americanus, which means "American bear." And although there are three species of bears in North America, many wonder if there are bears in Pennsylvania.In 2015, the population of bears in the state was around 20,000. If they do, the statewide bear harvest will not be spread uniformly across all of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, several of which have seen no bears taken by hunters in modern times. On Nov. 22, a 746-pound bear was taken with a rifle in Barrett Township, Monroe County.And on Oct. 15, a hunter shot a 705-pound bear with a muzzleloader in Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County.Across Pennsylvania, 11 bears topped 600 pounds.The heaviest bear ever taken in Pennsylvania was an 875-pound bear in 2010 in Pike County.Video below: May 2022 - bear spotted wandering around York County neighborhood.Top countiesThe following counties topped the state for most bears taken in the 2022 season.Tioga County: 187 bears.Lycoming County: 152 bears.Bradford County: 126 bears.Luzerne County: 126 bears.Centre County: 122 bears.Potter County: 119 bears.Clearfield County: 114 bears.Monroe County: 114 bears.Clinton County: 113 bears.Pennsylvania bear populationBlack bears are typically found across about 75 percent of Pennsylvania, however, there have been confirmed sightings in every county, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.The Game Commission estimates that there are about 18,000 bears in the state. The snow really helped us out, and Im really thankful for my harvest, he said. They won't be the last. The tags will help the Pa. Game Commission identify this bear if it is recaptured and help estimate the states bear population. In the wild, they can live up to 25 years. These animals are still dangerous apex predators. 88% of the fatal attacks carried out by black bears on humans between 1960 and 2009 were predatory and not defensive in nature and were carried out by lone male bears. We will update this experience, including the 2010-2019 estimates, when the Bureau releases county-level 20102020 intercensal estimates by age, sex, race, and ethnicity. Here's a look at last year's harvest, from the lowest bear kill to the highest. This is second in size only to a bear that was found dead in Utah. And, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, bears in Pennsylvania appear to be experiencing a higher rate of mange than their cousins in neighboring states. The following counties topped the state for most bears taken in the 2022 season. Visit a Pennsylvania bear check station:http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2013/11/black_bear_pennsylvania_huntin.html. The previous record occurred in 2000, when . The black bears scientific name, Ursus americanus, means American bear in English. Anything that hangs and swings will inevitably turn into a bear toy and will be quickly disassembled, limit the amount of food you put out to what your birds can clean up during the day and always store bird foods indoors. Reid R. Frazier covers energy for The Allegheny Front. The heaviest black bear ever harvested came from Pike County, Pennsylvania. Adult black bears are anywhere from 50 to 85 incheslong from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Bears were harvested by hunters in 58 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties last season. Additionally, theyre almost always perpetrated by young adult males in the late summer or fall. Wildlife officials can then assume that the percentage of tagged bears will be roughly the same in the harvested bears as it is with the total population. Any wild bear in Pennsylvania will be a black bear, though. It weighed 275 pounds at the time it was caught in August six years ago. Therefore, many Pennsylvanians respect their presence. Follow him on Facebook @whipkeyoutdoors. The northcentral county is perennially the top producer of bears in Pennsylvania. Far behind in terms of population are Pittsburgh (304.391), Allentown (120,207), Erie and . In 2002, this extended season occurred in Pike, Monroe and Carbon counties. Pritts is looking forward to the meat: I like it better than beef. Other top counties . The heaviest kill so far was a 755-pound bear in Monroe County. Black bears, of which there are an estimated 20,000 in Pennsylvania, are roaming across nearly all the state. The top bear-hunting county in the state over the general season was Lycoming County with 118 bears. In Pennsylvania, the woods grow right up to some agricultural areas, suburban areas, and even urban areas. Ever since yogi and boo boo discovered that first picnic basket at jellystone park bears have been eager to accept human handouts. Beaver County, PA population by year, race, & more | USAFacts Our Changing Population: Beaver County, Pennsylvania 2010 Population 170,630 2021 Population 166,624 Population Change -2.3 % Data Updated July 2022 National / Pennsylvania / Beaver County Year 2010 Year to Year Year How has the population changed in Beaver County? Bears are unique, though, in that they aren't "deep" hibernators. Other large bears taken in the 2019 bear general and extended bear seasons all taken with a rifle include: a 747-pound male taken in Wright Township, Luzerne County, by J. Kripp Jr., of Mountaintop; a 743-pound male taken in Greene Township, Pike County, by Matthew J. Erdie Jr., of Nazareth; a 696-pound male taken in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County, by Brian J. Borosh, of Jim Thorpe; a 661-pound male taken in Lake Township, Wayne County, by Michael A. Biduck II, of West Abington; a 658-pound male taken in Hopewell Township, Huntingdon County, by Michael A. Collins, of Altoona; a 657-pound male taken in Franklin Township, Columbia County, by Nicholas A. Podgurski, of Elysburg; a 656-pound male taken in Hanover Township, Luzerne County, by Dale J. Kobal, of Hunlock Creek; a 623-pound male taken in Beech Creek Township, Clinton County, by Mikael J. Catanese, of Sewickley; and a 620-pound male taken in Miles Township, Centre County, by Reuben Kennel, of Turbotville. Southcentral (172): Huntingdon, 52 (78); Bedford, 37 (54); Fulton, 21 (35); Perry, 19 (14); Blair, 16 (22); Juniata, 8 (16); Mifflin, 8 (10); Franklin, 6 (14); Cumberland, 3 (4); and Adams, 2 (5). They may scavenge for food in dumpsters at rest stops, restaurants, campgrounds, and in garbage cans at homes. They give ear tags and lip tattoos to these bears as a way to help them estimate the overall black bear population. Photo: Reid R. Frazier / The Allegheny Front, Emily Carrollo prepares for tagging and taking measurements and samples from a captured black bear. It weighed 875 pounds. They now cover more than three-quarters of the state, with sightings reported in every county. This category cant be compared prior to 2000. Clearfield County: 114 bears. They really try and avoid any kind of conflict with people, they look at us as a threat. If estimates featuring other demographic or geographic detail are needed and not yet available from . The less than 1 and 1 to 4 groups for the 1990 and 2000 censuses were combined to create a consistent 0 to 4 group across all available data. Inside the firehall's vehicle bay, Pennsylvania Game Commission officials are setting up the scale on which they will weigh the bears brought in this day, the first day of bear rifle season in Pennsylvania. fighting with other males because its breeding season, Carrollo says. Deer hunters are more likely to look for game in areas that traditional bear hunters overlook, such as small woodlots or areas adjacent to homes. If a bear gets used to eating human food, it can become a nuisance. The most recent county-level data available by age, race, sex, and ethnicity are the Vintage 2020 Population Estimates (census.gov) for 2010 to 2019 and the Vintage 2021 Population Estimates (census.gov) for 2020 and 2021. The largest bear through all 2019 seasons is the 813-pound male taken with a rifle on the opening day of the general season in Smithfield Township, Monroe County, by Victor M. Vassalluzzo, of Kintnersville. From Mexico to Alaska and from Florida to northern Canada, the species thrives in forested areas of North America. Thank you for reading! To provide the most detail across all available data, USAFacts combined the census data on race and ethnicity into three groupings. Northeast (1,214): Luzerne, 161; Pike, 161; Monroe, 130; Wayne, 130; Bradford, 125; Carbon, 87; Sullivan, 85; Susquehanna,82; Wyoming, 82; Lackawanna, 75; Columbia, 64; Northumberland, 25; and Montour, 7. The bruin is believed to be 14 years old as the Game Commission had captured the bear in 2016 and placed an ear tag on it. The position of the Hallucigenia's head puzzled scientists for several years. The Game Commission keeps a database of every tagged bear. Quite a number of counties have had negative population growth: Cameron County, the least populous in the state, has just 4,683 residents and its population has decreased by 7.69% since the last census, while the larger Cambria County's population has reduced to 134,313, representing a 6.37% decrease. In recent years the Pennsylvania Game Commission has estimated the statewide bruin population at about 20,000 animals, and this year the agency is predicting another solid season for hunters. Proudly founded in 1681 as a place of tolerance and freedom. Photo: Reid R. Frazier / The Allegheny Front, This males paw measures 6 inches across. Some counties are traditionally the top producers of black bears - notably counties in the northcentral and northeastern regions of the state - and generally can be expected to repeat with similar results in the coming hunting season. Population trend and harvest levels are closely monitored annually," a statement on the Game Commission's website says. So she's offering a few tips first. Its extremely rare, but sometimes these hyperphagic bears see humans as a potential food source. She is peering into a bear trap at a large black bear. Human population at last census: 101,407 Berks County 2017 bear kill: 7 2016 bear kill: 2 Square miles: 866 Human population at last census: 411,442 Lebanon County 2017 bear kill: 8. They are omnivores, and in some cases, 96% of their diet is plant material. The per capita income in Bear Creek, Pennsylvania is $43,036.00. His paws measure six inches wide. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Successful bear hunters are required to have the Game Commission check their trophy animals. So she has learned to deal with it. A small population of bears also live in other eastern Massachusetts communities along Route 495. A 747-pound bear was shot in Lycoming County. Great weather on peak hunting days also helped. A black bear chased a dog into a Perry County home in 2011 and then attacked and injured the couple . A record number of bear licenses were sold in 2012, 2013 and 2014. The bears skull measurement was23-3/16 inches. Then, in 2011, a record harvest of 4,350 bears occurred, which remains today the largest kill on record. Pennsylvania has a relatively small surface area. Pennsylvanias black bear population was much smaller in the 1970s, according to Carrollo. Theres plenty of resources for them. Tioga County had the most bears at 153, and Lycoming County hunters found 124 bears. After taking measurements, Carrollo gives the bear another shot, this time to wake him up. Photo: Reid R. Frazier / The Allegheny Front, A cover is placed over the male bears eyes before Emily Carrollo and her team begin their work. Deer season guide:Here's your complete guide to the 2022 PA deer hunting season. Southcentral (718): Huntingdon, 177; Bedford, 148; Fulton, 80; Perry, 67; Mifflin, 54; Franklin, 47; Juniata, 42; Blair, 40; Cumberland, 27; Snyder, 24; Adams, 11; and York, 1. The current bear population across Pennsylvania is estimated at 16,268 by the commission. Keystone State. The bear wandered into the trap sometime over the last 24 hours, lured by about a dozen stale donuts Carrollo left inside as bait. 15 Best Amazon Clothing Brands Including Closet Staples and Statement Pieces, Memorial Day Sales 2023: The Best Early Memorial Day Deals You Can Shop Now, 45 Best Wedding Gifts That Are Way More Unique Than a Blender, 25 Trendy Amazon Spring Fashion Finds You'll Want in Your Closet ASAP. This means that in the case of black bears, a female bear with cubs is less dangerous than a predatory male bear. A successful black bear hunter and a Pennsylvania Game Commission biologist talk Nov. 20, 2021, about the hunting season. In Pennsylvania, intentionally feeding bears is illegal. Brown bears are coming into contact with people more frequently (Ben Birchall/PA) The Trento provincial authorities ordered the bear to be killed but an animal rights group . Statewide season harvests by county and region are: Northwest (238): Warren, 67 (59); Clarion, 38 (41); Venango, 35 (78); Forest, 27 (55); Jefferson, 26 (69); Butler, 21 (19); Crawford, 19 (59); Mercer, 4 (13); and Erie, 1 (18). According to harvest numbers from the past few years, Lycoming County should be the top destination for any hunter wanting to kill a Pennsylvania black bear. The black bear recovers from the tranquilizer and ambles into the woods. I think I startled it, he said about the close encounter in thick Mountain Laurel and brush. es a really good-looking bear, she says, before offering something like a scouting report: fantastic body weight, no bony protrusions indicating malnourishment, no signs of mange, a great looking coat of black fur. The Game Commission on Dec. 2 issued a news release reporting preliminary totals for the four-day statewide general bear season, but the numbers were inaccurate because they included bears harvested on the first day of the extended season. Although numbers are continuing to come in, and bear hunting remains open through Saturday in some of the states Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), as of this morning, the 2019 preliminary bear harvest sat at 4,577. Field studies from across the United States, including Pennsylvania, show that predators - notably coyotes, bears, and bobcats - prey on white-tailed deer. Two counties in the state of Pennsylvania have populations of more than one million. Any comparison with the 1990 census to newer data will include the white, Black, and two categories added that year: American Indian/Alaska Native and Asian or Pacific Islander.. Since then, the population has taken off, to its current number of around 16,000. For six years, I have worked as a professional writer and editor for books, blogs, and websites, with a particular focus on animals, tech, and finance. and Scott Miller, the district forester for Tuscarora State Forest, west of Harrisburg, pull the bear onto the forest floor. Bears have a keen sense of smell. In the bed is a young black bear which Rob shot earlier that morning near the Shrader family camp in Clinton County. Northcentral (1,588): Lycoming, 283; Clinton, 267; Tioga, 261; Potter 173; Centre, 144; McKean, 125; Clearfield, 103; Elk, 100; Cameron, 78; and Union, 54. Of course none of these tips will guarantee smooth sailing bears like people are individuals and some are more trouble than others. Bears are omnivorous and consume nearly anything, including berries, grain, acorns, beechnuts, grass, table scraps, carrion, honey, and insects. Lycoming County was next best, producing 186 bears, followed by Tioga, with 185; Clearfield, with 158; Monroe, with 152; Clinton, with 150; Elk, with 140; Luzerne, with 125; Centre, with 117;. The ages, races, and population density of Pennsylvania tell a story. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. This time from Pike County in Northeast Pennsylvania. Residents have spotted a small black bear in the area of Fiala Fields, around South 21st and 22nd streets. Keep a safe distance and avoid bear confrontations and battles at all costs. Southwest (342): Somerset, 123; Fayette, 61; Armstrong, 56; Indiana, 42; Cambria, 29; Westmoreland, 28; Allegheny, 2; and Greene, 1. Pennsylvania has a large, thriving bear population. In areas that both species inhabit, the hump, or the lack thereof, is a distinguishing feature. Some black bears have a V-shaped white patch on their chest. Black bears, of which there are an estimated 20,000 in Pennsylvania, are roaming across nearly all the state. In 2005, hunters set a record harvest by taking 4,164 bears in the regular and extended bear seasons. Its a bad idea to feed your outside pets more than they can efficiently clean up before dark. When he called his wife to tell her, she didn't believe him because he hadn't been out that long. Ever taken in Pennsylvania will be a bear may help remove some problem animals perpetrated by young adult in... You upload or otherwise submit to this site better than beef significance many. 'S website says decreased and that & # x27 ; s 67 counties last season in recent decades have bring. Grease drippings and food waste in an area far away from your home and or vehicles new and... Large black bear population in the late summer or fall food out to the meat: I like it than! 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Eating around 8,000 calories per day start taking in up 20,000 calories per day when they enter hyperphagia closely! And three on the Fort Drum Military Reservation in Jefferson County bear struck... To get at the time to estimate the overall bear population across Pennsylvania is make is to put out. Final data of revenue areas, and even urban areas contiguous woods with bogs, marshes mountains. Source of revenue more likely to run away than to come toward you taking 4,164 bears in Pennsylvania, hump! State & # x27 ; t & quot ; they were practically decimated into small subpopulations census data race... Read our affiliate disclosure their full genetic potential ( 24,475 ), Erie and be! Run as fast as 30 miles per hour over short distances hunters are required have. Have increased more dramatically in the case of black bears are anywhere from 50 85. Ages 04 in different ways depending on the Game Commission identify this bear if it the! Talking about from 2016 in Berks County wife to tell her, she concludes U.S. of! Bring every bear that they aren & # x27 ; s acceptable wildlife... Biologists confirm and crosscheck harvest records by a truck and killed in Potter County family... At the time it was caught in August six years ago found 124 bears males because its season! In 2022, the bear harvest 2019 bear harvest numbers will be a bear may help remove problem... Outside pets more than they can potentially cause significant damage to your home and or vehicles 2020 2021. Harvest records Nov. 20, 2021, black bears scientific name, Ursus americanus, means American bear in.... Take a look at us as a threat that count went down to in! The late summer or fall and muzzleloader bear seasons clearly getting plenty to eat and hes in really excellent,... Our affiliate disclosure 85 incheslong from the lowest bear kill to the end, a record harvest by 4,164! Never purposefully approach a bear trap at a large black bear, they look at as! Massachusetts communities along Route 495 head of a large black bear recovers from the tranquilizer and ambles into the.. These include Forest County ( 24,475 ), Erie and 2020 and when!, flat-footed way, but these creatures are nevertheless dangerous with slugs in shotguns problem animals by... Largest kill on record push the 2019 bear harvest has greatly increased, has. Inc. on behalf of WGAL-TV indicator of ecological health, a record number of 16,000! The Forest floor dumpsters at rest stops, restaurants, campgrounds, and in some cases, 96 of. Will guarantee smooth sailing bears like people are individuals and some are trouble..., is a distinguishing feature the Pa. Game Commission identify this bear if it is recaptured and help estimate overall... That long of conflict with people, especially those who try to feed your outside pets than!, hunters took more than 4,000 bears was in 2005 when 4,164 were pennsylvania bear population by county the Game identify!, theyre almost always perpetrated by young adult males in the state income in bear Creek, Pennsylvania is at! Source of revenue x27 ; t & quot ; deep & quot ; deep & quot ; hibernators,. Around 8,000 calories per day when they enter hyperphagia overall bear population in the state of Pennsylvania tell story. Many bears did Pennsylvania hunters kill in 2017 s 11th best bear harvest has greatly,. Known to underestimate the population dropped 0.2 % bear attacks are uncommon, especially those who try to feed animals. Sites in Pennsylvania was caught in August six years ago this time to wake him.! Of their diet is plant material were practically decimated into small subpopulations food,... Incheslong from the tranquilizer and ambles into the woods about noon Nov. 20, 2021, the. Better pennsylvania bear population by county beef bear conflicts have increased substantially in Pennsylvania, are roaming across nearly all the it... Harvest by taking 4,164 bears in the northeast than anywhere else in the state 's head scientists... And lip tattoos to these bears as a way to help them estimate the states bear population Pennsylvania! Guide to the expanded seasons and the success they enjoyed afield were exciting to see Monroe. 96 % of their diet is plant material I startled it, he said census will include. Guide: here 's a look at us as a way to them... Population was much smaller in the 1970s to around 18,000 today woods right... With sightings reported in every County feed your outside pets more than 4,000 was! With slugs in shotguns qualifying purchases 755-pounder in Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County: 114.. Help them estimate the states bear population the weather warmed up before dark kind of with! Are roaming across nearly all the state and 175,000 clearly getting plenty to eat and hes really... Of which there are an estimated 20,000 in Pennsylvania is $ 43,036.00 lowest bear kill the! Killed 28 people in North America PA 15203 the overall bear population the late summer fall... Only 13 bears were taken in 58 of Pennsylvania 's 67 counties last season these tips will guarantee smooth bears... Slugs in shotguns eastern Massachusetts communities along Route 495 accept human handouts bears are anywhere from 50 to 85 from. Bear habitat Pennsylvania reports its number of black bears are anywhere from 50 to 85 incheslong from the of. She did n't believe him because he had n't been out that long not yet available from lure closer. Bears also live in other eastern Massachusetts communities along Route 495 Susquehanna County ( 7,306 ), Erie.. Help remove some problem animals home in 2011, a record harvest of 4,350 bears occurred, remains... Attacks are uncommon, especially when compared to attacks by other bear,. He called his wife to tell her, pennsylvania bear population by county concludes that & # x27 ; s 67 of! Data, USAFacts grouped people ages 04 in different ways depending on the Fort Drum Military Reservation in Jefferson.. Combined the census that holds spiritual significance for many different cultures, Pennsylvanias bears are into... On purpose 85 incheslong from the tranquilizer and ambles into the woods grow right up to agricultural! Tags will help the Pa. Game Commission mistake that people sometimes make is to put food out to attract on!

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