Black bear sightings in residential areas like Slippery Rock Township are rising due to mating season and the availability of easy food sources. The Pennsylvania Game Commission advises residents to secure attractants such as birdfeeders and trash to prevent bears from habituating to human environments and approaching homes.
A mother black bear and four cubs were captured on surveillance footage in Slippery Rock Township, Lawrence County, just after midnight on a recent Wednesday. Resident Susan Zehetner discovered the animals after finding a planter knocked over in her front yard. Zehetner noted that the bear appeared to be looking through her bedroom window while she slept.
This incident follows a near-encounter involving Zehetner’s husband, who reported hearing a “loud snort” near their garage nearly a week prior to the camera footage. While the bear fled the scene, the proximity of the animals highlights a growing trend of wildlife moving through suburban landscapes in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Why are black bears entering suburban neighborhoods?
Increased human-wildlife interaction often stems from seasonal biological shifts and food availability. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, it is currently mating season, which can lead to higher activity levels and more frequent sightings.
Beyond mating cycles, bears are frequently drawn to residential areas by “attractants.” These include unsecured trash cans, pet food left outdoors, and birdfeeders. When bears find consistent food sources in backyards, they lose their natural fear of humans—a process known as habituation. The Zehetner family is currently attempting to reverse this trend by removing birdfeeders from their property to discourage the bears from returning.
How should you react during a bear encounter?
The instinct to run from a large animal is strong, but experts warn that this can be dangerous. Warden Lieutenant Andy Harvey of the Pennsylvania Game Commission states that black bears are capable of outrunning humans. Instead of fleeing, Harvey advises residents to stand their ground and make noise.
“Make noise,” Harvey said, noting that black bear attacks on people are very rare. By making noise, you signal to the bear that a human is present, which often encourages the animal to retreat. Maintaining a distance and staying calm is the most effective way to avoid a physical confrontation.
What steps can homeowners take to prevent bear visits?
Preventing bears from entering your yard requires consistent management of food sources. The Pennsylvania Game Commission recommends visiting bearwise.org for specific strategies on bear-proofing a home.
Effective prevention includes:
- Removing birdfeeders during peak activity seasons.
- Storing trash in bear-resistant containers.
- Cleaning up fallen fruit from trees in the yard.
- Keeping pet food indoors.
For residents like the Zehetners, surveillance cameras provide a way to monitor activity without direct interaction. Zehetner expressed a desire to avoid face-to-face encounters, noting that she hopes the mother bear keeps her cubs in the woods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are black bear attacks common?
No. According to Warden Lieutenant Andy Harvey of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, attacks on humans are very, very rare.
What should I do if a bear is near my house?
Stay inside, keep your pets indoors, and monitor the animal through a window or camera. Do not approach the animal to get a closer look.
Why are there so many baby bears right now?
Sightings of cubs often increase during specific seasons, such as mating season, when mother bears are more active and protective of their young.
Have you experienced wildlife near your home? Let us know in the comments below, and subscribe to our newsletter for more local safety updates.
