Pennsylvania's 18,000 Black Bears are up and about and looking to get the food they need to survive.......................DON'T FEED THE BEARS, AS THIS BLOG ALWAYS OPINES.................good reinforcing advice on how live in harmony with our fellow creatures

Please don't feed the bears, Game Commission says

Times Leader Staff
Spring has sprung, state Game Commission officials remind residents that wildlife will become more visible, including Pennsylvania's roughly 18,000 black bears, all of which will be looking for food. 

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Anything edible placed outside, whether food for wildlife, unsecured garbage or even pets, gives bears a reason to visit your property. If denied easy access to food, bears generally move on

• Do not feed wildlife. Corn for squirrels and even bird feeders can become "bear magnets." Those who choose to feed songbirds during the summer should avoid foods that bears love, such as sunflower seeds, hummingbird nectar mixes or suet. Bring feeders inside at night or suspend them from crosswires so they are at least 10 feet above the ground and four feet from anything a bear can climb.

• Don't put out garbage until pick-up day; don't throw table scraps out back; don't add fruit or vegetable waste to your compost pile; and clean your barbecue grill regularly. If you feed your pets outdoors, bring their food dishes inside overnight. Encourage neighbors to do the same.
• Work with neighbors to ask area businesses to keep dumpsters closed and locked.
• If a bear shows up in your backyard, stay calm. Shout at it like you would to chase an unwanted dog. Don't approach it. If the bear won't leave, call the nearest Game Commission regional office or local police department.
• If your dog is barking or cat is clawing at the door to get in, try to cautiously determine what alarmed your pet using outside lights and from a safe position.
• If you see a bear and it hasn't seen you, leave the area calmly. Talk or make noise while moving away to help it discover your presence. Choose a route that will not intersect with the bear if it is moving.
• If you surprised a bear, slowly back away while talking softly. Face the bear, but avoid direct eye contact. Do not turn and run

Avoid blocking the bear's only escape route and try to move away from any nearby cubs. Do not climb a tree, as a female bear may falsely interpret this as an attempt to get at her cubs.

• Some bears may bluff charge to within a few feet. If this occurs, stand your ground, wave your arms wildly and shout at the bear.

• If a bear attacks, fight back as you continue to leave the area. Black bears have been driven away with rocks, sticks, binoculars, car keys or even bare hands.
  Note that Bear cubs spotted alone are not necessarily abandoned; the mother could be looking for food and returning soon.