EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) — An uptick in bear sightings in the Poconos has prompted some concern on social media, but wildlife officials are setting the record straight.
28/22 News breaks down if this is normal behavior for the animals this time of the year.
Black bears are taking the spotlight on cameras in the Poconos, whether at Nicks Lake House in Lake Harmony or at a home in Stroudsburg.
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These animals are being seen more, but experts say human interaction is not what they are looking for.
28/22 News spoke to Game Warden Dillon Gruver and Pocono Wildlife Co-Executive Director Susan Downing about the uptick in bear activity.
“Bears are thinking about gaining nutrition for hibernation so that’s one of the foremost things on their mind. So they’re definitely on the move looking for food,” said Gruver.
“We’ve gotten more calls in the last month than we did last year. Just from sightings of them, on the side of highways,” said Downing.
They say as more people are outside this time of year they are having run-ins with the tens of thousands of bears in our state.
“You never want to be in wildlife and not be aware,” said Downing.
Being mindful and keeping your distance from bears are things you should keep in mind when in nature.
“If you’re going to camp outside, make sure your food is locked up tight. Do not put food in your tent, do not do any of the things that can attract a bear to you. They’re not aggressive going after you, they’re aggressive going after the food,” said Downing.
They tell 28/22 News people should not be concerned about being attacked by a bear no more than any other wildlife animal.
But if you have a close encounter, never turn your back and run.
“You raise your hands, you clap your hands, you yell, ‘Hey bear, hey bear,’ and try to chase them away because they’re more than likely going to run in the opposite direction,” said Downing.
Black bears will begin hibernation from mid-November to December.
Both agencies work with “Bearwise”, a program that helps communities co-exist with bears.For tips on how to properly store trash or on black bear behaviors head to their website.
The Pocono Wildlife Rehab Center runs solely off of donations. If you’d like to donate or volunteer with them, you can click here for their website with more information.
