Bear sightings increase in York County

YORK COUNTY, Pa — Note: The video is from May 19th.

Following an increase in the number of bear sightings in the area in recent months, including recent sightings in the townships of East Manchester and Windsor, York County Regional Police on Wednesday gave residents tips on what to do if a bear is in their neighborhood shows up .

Cubs are often sighted at this time of year as mating season occurs in June and July and many sows begin to chase away their previous litters.

“These young bears (between 1.5 and 2 years old) are curious and are trying to find their own range to make their home range,” the police department said in a press release. “Bears tend to travel quite a distance and (sightings) in this area (recent) only for a short time… EXCEPT when they find food.”

And that’s where local residents come in, police said.

“It’s important to minimize opportunities for bears to find food in your homes or properties,” police said. “Bears are attracted to the smell of leftover food left outside in trash cans, bird feeders, pet food left outside, gardens and cooking fat on outdoor grills.”

Bears generally avoid humans and will run away if they see or smell humans, according to police. But people shouldn’t underestimate a bear’s size, speed, or strength. Bears are fast for their size, and even a young bear’s claws are sharp enough to injure a human.

Bears are wild animals and police say they should not be approached.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has several suggestions or warnings for people who come across a black bear:

• Alert the bear – Make noises so the bear can hear, see and/or smell your human scent. Don’t surprise a bear as they can be unpredictable at this point.
• come back – Slowly walk away while looking at the bear so you know where the bear is. Do not run!
• stay calm – Do not make any sudden movements when leaving. Try to put some distance between you and the bears and get to a safe place: home, vehicle, or other obstacle that you want to put between you and the bears.
• Pay attention – Bears can stand up to use their senses to determine who you are. Don’t take this as a sign of aggression. While facing the bear, walk further away and make some noise.
• fight back – Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear attacks, you should fight back, using everything at your disposal to hit the bear.