Living with Pennsylvania Black Bears

Pennsylvania black bears have emerged from their dens and are searching for food. Adult black bears can eat up to 20,000 calories per day in the fall. Even during the summer months, their caloric intake is large.

Bears are opportunistic feeders. Bears find food mainly by scent. They will often return to an area where food has been located previously.

Approximately 18,000 black bears live in Pennsylvania. Many Pennsylvanians have reported sightings of black bears in their communities. The Game Commission has provided information on how to coexist peacefully with these large animals.

5 Tips for Making Your Home Less Attractive to Bears

1. Keep trash inside until collection day.
2. Remove bird feeders.
3. Wash garbage clans regularly with hot water and chlorine bleach.
4. Clean the grill after every use, and properly dispose of grease.
5. Bring outdoor pet food inside at night.
It is unlawful to place any food for wildlife that causes bears to congregate in an area. Click the link for more information on “Living with Pennsylvania Black Bears”.